Benedikt Höwedes is the tenth honorary captain of FC Schalke 04. In an emotional speech, the world champion thanked him.
It was 12.40 on Saturday lunchtime in the arena when thousands of green voting cards were held aloft in the Veltins Arena. It sounds like boredom during a members’ meeting – but exactly the opposite was the case. FC Schalke 04 had just elected Benedikt Höwedes as its tenth honorary captain – and it was not only Höwedes himself who was very moved at that moment.
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The now 35-year-old father of three entered the stage standing in front of the main stand, stepped up to the microphone, found emotional words: “The fact that I am standing in front of you and being elected honorary captain means a lot to me. It is a symbol of the work I put into this club for 16 years. Maybe that’s why it feels so good, because my farewell was not the way I imagined it. I am joining a group of extraordinary personalities. It is a privilege to see my name in this list. You are a part of this award, I share it with you wholeheartedly. I am proud to be part of the family. Let’s carry that pride forward.”
Only Kuzorra wore the Schalke captain’s armband more often than Höwedes
Before the election, supervisory board chairman Axel Hefer, sports director Peter Knäbel and applicant Günther Reipen had campaigned for the election – a formal act, of course. Hefer presented the strict regulations for the election. Among other things, the candidate had to have been captain for at least three years, have an epoch-making significance for the club’s history. When Höwedes listed his titles, it quickly became clear that this was epochal. As a youth player at Schalke, he became German U19 champion, received the Fritz Walter Medal in gold. As a professional, he was cup winner (2011), Supercup winner (2011) with Schalke, regularly entered the Champions League. He was captain for six years, led the professionals onto the pitch 206 times in 335 games, for longer and more often than anyone in the Königsblauen’s Bundesliga tenure. In the 119-year history of the club, only one person wore the armband more often: Ernst Kuzorra.
Peter Knäbel mentioned this in his speech and said: “A nomination as honorary captain is something very special. It shows how great the pride of all Schalke is in you. I am sure that your future and Schalke’s future are connected in one way or another.” Knäbel did not get more specific; since Höwedes’ career ended, the player and club have yet to come together.
Höwedes dismissal: “Shameful night and fog action”
This was also due to the manner of the relegation in the summer of 2017, when Höwedes was removed as captain by coach Domenico Tedesco, lost his regular place guarantee – and eventually moved to Juventus Turin. Reipen addressed this in his impassioned speech. Höwedes had been removed in a “shameful night and fog operation” and yet had not followed suit.
He had previously said: “He embodied Schalke for more than ten years. Loyal Bene, that was no empty phrase. A role model, on and off the pitch. Scandal-free, committed, down-to-earth, family man. These are words that apply to him. He has done Schalke every honour.”
Youth coach Elgert congratulates Höwedes via video message
After Höwedes had been elected and had given his speech, U19 coach Norbert Elgert came forward via video message: “I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.” Elgert highlighted Höwedes’ social commitment and mentioned an anecdote when Höwedes was still a youth player.
Elgert on holiday. “I particularly appreciate your social commitment.” Elgert recounts what he told the youthful Höwedes when he walked with him past the professionals’ fleet of expensive cars: “You listened well when I said you’re not heroes just because you’re allowed to sign autographs as teenagers.”
When he had accepted the honour, ovation and chants, Höwedes took his seat – between Olaf Thon and Klaus Fischer. He is still such a legend now.