Who Is Robert Enke? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Enke was born on August 24, 1977, in Jena, East Germany. He gained recognition as a prominent German football goalkeeper before his untimely passing in 2009. Enke started his youth career at LSV Jena and went on to play for several clubs, including Hannover 96 and the German national team. His life story is not only marked by his athletic accomplishments but also by his battle with depression, which ultimately led to his tragic death.
Enke remains a poignant figure in the world of sports, and in 2025, his memory is celebrated for raising awareness around mental health issues in athletes.
Occupation | Footballer |
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Date of Birth | August 24, 1977 |
Age | 32 Years |
Birth Place | Jena, East Germany |
Horoscope | Virgo |
Country | Germany |
Date of death | 10 November, 2009 |
Died Place | Neustadt am Rübenberge, Germany |
Popularity
Robert Enke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Robert Enke stood at an impressive 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) tall and weighed around 83 kg (183 lbs) during his playing days. His athletic build contributed to his agility as a goalkeeper, allowing him to perform spectacular saves and command his area effectively.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Robert Enke was married to Teresa Enke, and together they had an adopted daughter named Lara. The couple faced immense challenges, particularly following the tragic death of their biological daughter, who died shortly after birth. Throughout his life, Enke was supported by Teresa, and their partnership was known for its strength and resilience in the face of considerable adversity.
Given Robert’s passing in 2009, the dating and relationship status is not applicable for him, as he was a devoted husband.
On the night of 10 November 2009, at the age of 32, Enke died by rail suicide, standing in front of a regional express train at a level crossing in Eilvese, Neustadt am Rübenberge. Police confirmed a suicide note was discovered but would not publicise its details.
His widow, Teresa, revealed that her husband had been suffering from depression for six years and was treated by a psychiatrist. After the death of his daughter Lara in 2006, he struggled to cope with the loss.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Robert Enke had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. His earnings primarily came from his professional football career, endorsements, and contracts with clubs. During his peak years, Enke was one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in Germany.
Career, Business and Investments
Enke's professional career began in the late 1990s, and he had notable stints with teams such as 1. FC Kaiserslautern and FC Barcelona before finding success at Hannover 96. He was also a vital member of the German national squad, demonstrating exceptional talent through his performances.
In terms of investments, not much is publicly known. However, his legacy continues through the Robert Enke Foundation, which focuses on mental health awareness, established by his family after his passing.
His chance came on the eve of the 1998–99 season when Uwe Kamps suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and new coach Friedel Rausch gave Enke his big chance to finally make his club debut. His first Bundesliga game came on 15 August 1998 in a 3–0 win over Schalke 04 that put them top of the table.
However, this position quickly changed as, despite Enke's best efforts, fifteen goals were scored past him in just one week. The club plummeted to the foot of the league where they remained from October until their eventual relegation (Rainer Bonhof was manager from November onward).
Social Network
While Robert Enke was not active on social media during his lifetime, his legacy continues to resonate with fans and the football community. His story is shared across various platforms, contributing to a greater understanding of the importance of mental health in sports.
Despite these problems, Enke's performances gained him the admiration of Encarnados (reds) fans, as well as interest from clubs like Arsenal, Atlético Madrid and Manchester United chasing him. After contract talks with Benfica stalled, Enke took up the offer of Spanish giants Barcelona and moved on a free transfer in June 2002 on a three-year deal.
Education
Robert Enke attended school in his hometown of Jena, where his passion for football was nurtured from a young age. His focus on sports ultimately overshadowed traditional educational pathways, as he dedicated much of his time to football and pursuing his dream of becoming a professional player.
In summary, Robert Enke's life, career, and the impact he made are deserving of remembrance and consideration, particularly regarding mental health awareness in the realm of sports. His story continues to inspire many around the world, making him a notable figure in the history of football.