Ulli Potofski: Germany mourns around “A real unique”

FC Schalke 04 and the Bundesliga were his life. Even at over 70, Ulli Potofski stood for Sky on the sidelines until the end and wanted to do so in the coming season. Now one of the most popular German sports reporters died after a short, serious illness at the age of 73.

This was confirmed by his brother Norbert and his former wife Monika Potofski of the German Press Agency. First had that “Picture” reports on the death.

“With pioneering spirit, he initiated the modern football reporting when Schalke mastered the narrow ridge between media neutrality and the royal blue matter of the heart”wrote his heart club Schalke in a message. The club from Gelsenkirchen will be Potofski “always keep an honorable memory”it said.

Potofski has reported for Sky-then still a premiere-mainly about the Bundesliga, but also about other major sports events such as the tennis tournament in Wimbledon. After becoming known, various Bundesliga clubs spoke their sympathy over social networks. Before moving to premiere (later Sky), Potofski had long worked for RTL and there in 1988 the legendary Bundesliga broadcast “Kick -off” developed.

RTL wrote von “Countless, special TV moments”took care of the Potofski. The Cologne broadcaster showed recordings in a video contribution when Potofski from the old parking stadium in Gelsenkirchen reported-with magnificent curls, a lot of enthusiasm and a yellow RTL microphone in hand.

His later employer Sky said “great dismay” to death. “Ulli was a real unique piece – with great passion for sport, an unmistakable voice and the ability to touch people with his inappropriate way, warmth and enthusiasm”said Charly Classen as Executive Vice President Sport of the broadcaster.

Born in Gelsenkirchen, commented games and worked on the Pay TV as a reporter on the edge of the field. Potofski was still fully there in recent years. “An older team is always good”said the journalist in 2023 the “Sports picture” to his role. At that time he had extended for another two years at Sky.

Potofski started at the WDR in the 1970s and switched to RTL in 1984. In 1989 he received the Bambi as the most popular television presenter. In addition to sports events, he also reported on the domino day, which was broadcast annually at the Cologne TV station between 1998 and 2009. Later he moved to Sky. Potofski also wrote several children’s books such as “Locke stays on the ball” or “Locke storms off”.

Potofski also ventured onto the dance floor. He took on the 9th season of the RTL show “Let’s dance” Part and delighted the spectators and the jury with his dance skills than with his humorous way.

“Dear Ulli Potofski, it was a great honor for me to get to know you. I will never forget to experience you, to hear yourself, laugh with you and spend so many wonderful hours”wrote chief judge Joachim Llambi in an Instagram post for the death of Potofski. “You were one of my absolute favorite candidates.”

On July 31, almost a week ago, Potofski spoke in his podcast “Heart, soul, ball” About his current hospital stay. “I ended up in my hospital again, hopefully I will be well looked after here. And heart, soul, ball continues”said Potofski with a recognizable weakened voice. Potofski spoke about Schalke, Hertha, Fabian Reese – and “An exciting season” In the 2nd Bundesliga.

On July 6th, Potofski had last spoken on Instagram and his partner Nadja had been loyal to his partner Nadja “For over ten years” thanked.

Transparency note: The star is part of RTL Germany.