Johannes Sobek, whom everyone just called Hanne, was one of the most influential and successful personalities in the club’s history of Hertha BSC. Exactly 35 years ago, on February 17, 1989, the veteran of the Old Lady died. In honor of the anniversary of his death, we remember a great Hertha player.
Born on March 18, 1900 in Mirow, Mecklenburg, Johannes Sobek moved to Berlin at the age of ten and learned to play football at Bavaria 09. After the offensive man then played for Alemannia 90 for five seasons (1920-1925), he laid the foundation for an impressive career by moving to Hertha BSC. In the capital, Hanne Sobek became a symbol of our club’s glory days. The ten-time national player reached the final of the German championship with the Spree Athenians six times in a row. It took four defeats before the striker and the capital club were able to call themselves German champions in 1930 after a 5-4 win over Holstein Kiel. The fan favorite made a significant contribution to this with his two goals in the final. In the following season, the Berliners managed to defend their title in the final against 1860 Munich (3-2) – Hanne Sobek was once again on the top scorer list twice.
Two-time Berlin champion and promotion coach
After the Second World War, the former professional started his coaching career at SG Union Oberschöneweide and led the club to the final round of the German championship in 1950, but was not allowed to enter West Germany with the team. The coach then fled with most of his players to the west of the capital. In 1959, the icon took over the sidelines at the heartfelt club Hertha BSC and celebrated two Berlin championships and promotion to the Bundesliga at his old place of work. Two years after ending his career, Sobek returned to the Blue and Whites and held the position of emergency chairman of the board for almost six months.
For Hanne Sobek, Hertha BSC has always been a matter of the heart as a player, coach and official. Oliver Ohmann writes about him in a book: “Hanne Sobek was the miracle that Berlin’s football fans had been waiting for for so long – charismatic, passionate, brilliant.” His contributions to our club continue to be felt to this day. Continue to rest in peace, Hanne!