The memories of the European Championship victory in 1996 are still omnipresent. Now Thomas Helmer can hold the trophy in his hands again.
28 years after winning the European Championship at the legendary Wembley Stadium, Thomas Helmer (59) holds the trophy in his hands again. The 59-year-old brought the European Championship title to Germany for the third time in London in 1996 alongside Jürgen Klinsmann (59), Thomas Häßler (57) and golden goal shooter Oliver Bierhoff (55).
“Back then, of course, all the players wanted to hold the trophy. Here you can hold it in your hands in peace,” said the former football star happily at the “Betano Trophy Tour” in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. The sports betting provider is the official partner of the 2024 European Football Championship and is bringing the coveted European Championship trophy to the final venue, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, around six weeks before the final. In an interview, Helmer remembers the big title triumph and also looks ahead to the upcoming home European Championship, which starts on June 14 in Munich.
They became European football champions themselves in 1996. What images from back then are burned into your memory?
Thomas Helmer: Oh, there are so many pictures. But above all, of course, Wembley, the semi-finals and the final. The golden goal, for example. Although I have to admit, to my shame, that at that moment I thought it would continue. I ran back into my own half and thought: “When is kick-off?” What I particularly remember is the atmosphere there, especially in the semi-final against England. The whole Wembley Stadium sang “Football’s Coming Home”. Germans and English together. And we listened to this song on repeat every day. Things were always going well in the massage department too. But it brought us luck.
Looking back, would you say that those were the happiest days of your football career?
Helmer: Oh no, there were many happy days. At some point you win your first title, your first Bundesliga goal, special games in special stadiums, like in England. The first Champions League game, the first UEFA Cup win. There were lots and lots of great moments, but winning the title is of course one of them.
How was the title win celebrated back then?
Helmer: That was actually relatively unspectacular. At the old Wembley Stadium the changing rooms were very, very small. Each player really only had one spot and one hook. Like in the locker room when I was younger or in the amateur area. I remember that when I was finally in the dressing room, the then Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Berti Vogts were also there – and so the dressing room was full. Jürgen Kohler organized whiskey somewhere and we celebrated properly with the Chancellor. At least that was the celebration in the stadium, and it continued in the hotel, although not for very long, because the English were of course angry that we became European champions in their country and in their city, in their capital. But also because they had an event the next day and needed the space. And then they simply said: There is nothing left.
What does it feel like to stand here today and hold the trophy in your hands again? Do you feel nostalgic?
Helmer: Above all, here you can hold it in your hands in peace and quiet. At that time, of course, all the players who were there and involved wanted to keep him. Ultimately, we are still the last ones to win this title for Germany, which we have only won three times in total. Of course, memories come back.
You briefly mentioned Oliver Bierhoff’s Golden Goal in 1996 earlier. Would you like to see the Golden Goal return?
Helmer: Not really. Even though it was of course helpful for us at the time and we became European champions as a result. I think it’s good that it was abolished. I’m not a fan of it because you really have no chance of making up for the mistake, especially in extra time.
Where do you keep your European Championship medal today? Does it have a special place?
Helmer: Good question, it’s in someone’s drawer. I admit it, I don’t even know right now.
The European Championships will start in Germany in a few weeks. What chances do you give the DFB team?
Helmer: I’m always optimistic from the start. We always say how important the first game is. And that’s against Scotland, we’ve never lost against them. We also have a home European Championship and the mood is a bit more positive again after two wins. If the weather cooperates, we’ll have a good European Championship. Julian Nagelsmann has taken the right steps with the players he brought in. At least I see greater opportunities with this.
Who do you think is the big favorite to win the European Championship?
Helmer: I don’t know at all, I can’t assess the other nations very well. We beat the French twice, so they are not invincible. The English, Italians and Spanish are also highly valued. For me there are no top favorites and that’s why I don’t see us as having much of a chance.
Who will you watch the European Championship games with?
Helmer: That depends on how I travel in terms of work and whether I can or want to watch many games live. I have football-crazy friends who really have an option for all tickets. Then everything usually falls into place.
And are your children also enthusiastic about football?
Helmer: I have three sons, none of whom play football. My daughter is still most interested in football. But when there is a tournament, of course everyone watches them. I don’t think anyone can get past it. And that’s just as well.
Do you sometimes still play football in your private life?
Helmer: If my calf allows it, I’m happy to do it. But that’s always the big problem. I never had problems with my calf before, but now I have them all the time. But yes, I still play from time to time. I am allowed to play for the HSV Traditionself even though I have never played for HSV. Because I’ve lived there for 20 years. It’s the same at BVB, and I also play with the Bayern legends from time to time.
Are there any other sports you do to keep fit?
Helmer: I try to jog a little bit every now and then when I can, but that’s it. I like playing padel. This is becoming more and more popular in Germany. I was just in Spain, where everyone plays it and they have a lot of places. Padel is definitely something for me. You don’t have to walk quite as much, which suits me.