According to reports, Uli Hoeness praised the legendary treble-winning coach in a note for Bayern’s club magazine.

He wrote in the letter: “You are a friend for whom I overcome every hardship and challenge. You were always there when Bayern needed you.”

The two have shared a close friendship for decades. Hoeness has brought Heynckes back to Bayern four times, often in the most critical moments. Each time, Heynckes delivered major successes: Bundesliga titles in 1989, 1990, 2013, and 2018, along with the DFB-Pokal in 2013. His greatest achievement was the historic treble in 2013—winning the league, cup, and UEFA Champions League—a feat forever linked to his name.

Heynckes later said: “That moment was probably the happiest in Uli Hoeness’s managerial career.”

Hoeness continued: “When I look at all the coaches we’ve had at Bayern—great figures like Ottmar Hitzfeld, Pep Guardiola, Udo Lattek, Carlo Ancelotti, or Louis van Gaal—I share the deepest emotional bond with you.”

Even during Hoeness’s imprisonment, their connection remained unbroken. When Heynckes was awarded the Ring of Honor by the city of Mönchengladbach in 2016, it was Hoeness who delivered the speech—his first public appearance outside Munich after 637 days in prison. At the time, he said of Heynckes: “There is no better man on this earth.”

Hoeness concluded with wishes for the future: “And I hope you visit your Bayern as often as you can. This club would be much poorer without you, your contributions, and your humanity. That cannot be measured in goals, victories, or trophies.”