Many club legends shape FC Bayern. A legendary duo is a rarity. One thing will remain unforgettable forever. Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Munich – It was August 29, 2009 when FC Bayern Munich made history – not with a title, but with the birth of a legend. In the 3-0 win against VfL Wolfsburg, Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben were on the pitch together for the first time. The Frenchman prepared both of the Dutchman’s goals in an exemplary manner, and “Robbéry” was born. What began at that moment would shape the German record champions for more than a decade and lead to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
Ribéry, the spirited right-footer on the left flank, and Robben, the precise left-footer on the right side – on paper this constellation seemed unusual. But it was precisely this reversal of the natural positions that made the duo so dangerous. Both were able to move inside, use their strong feet and pose insoluble problems for the opposing defense lines. With their dribbling, passes, crosses and, above all, goals, they have always spread fear and terror among opponents – whether in the Bundesliga or the Champions League.
Robbery’s greatest success
“Robbéry’s” finest hour came in the 2012/13 season under coach Jupp Heynckes. After the bitter defeats of the previous year – Robben missed crucial penalties both in the Bundesliga summit against Dortmund and in the Champions League final in their own stadium – FCB appeared even more motivated. The triple of championship, DFB Cup and Champions League was the result of a perfect season in which Ribéry and Robben demonstrated their class.
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The highlight was the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. In the 89th minute, Ribéry cleverly passed off for Robben, who poked the ball past Roman Weidenfeller into the net “in the best striker style” and thus secured the most important title in the club’s history. It was the symbolic moment of an era in which the two wingers led FC Bayern to new heights.
“Robbéry’s” statistics speak for themselves: Ribéry played 425 competitive games for FCB and scored 124 goals, while Robben scored an impressive 144 goals in 309 games. Together they were on the pitch for a total of 11,359 minutes in 183 competitive games. Ribéry scored an average of 2.29 points per game in his games, Robben even scored 2.36 points.
The collection of titles is impressive: Ribéry won nine German championships, six DFB Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Robben, who recently gave Karl tips, collected eight championship titles, six cup victories and also major international trophies. Both became runners-up with their national teams – Ribéry in 2006 with France, Robben in 2010 with the Netherlands.
Robbery remains unforgettable, even after his career ends
When Ribéry and Robben ended their Bayern careers in 2019, an era that had a lasting impact on the club came to an end. Hardly any other duo has “left their mark on Bayern’s game more.” Their successors Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry followed in big footsteps, but the magic of “Robbéry” remained unique.
Even today, years after their farewell, joint performances still cause enthusiasm. At the Beckenbauer Cup 2025, 9,500 spectators cheered the “reunification of Robbéry”. Ribéry and Robben not only reinvented FC Bayern, but also created a legend that will last forever. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and in the history of German football. (tb)
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