Christian Streich receives Memmingen Freedom Prize for Justice!

Christian Streich receives Memmingen Freedom Prize for Justice!

On October 3, 2025, the Memminger Freedom Prize was awarded to Christian Streich, the long-time coach of SC Freiburg, at a ceremony at St. Martin's Church in Memmingen. The city, which proudly calls itself the “City of Civil Rights”, offered a worthy setting for this honor. The occasion was particularly symbolic as this year commemorates the “Twelve Articles” of 1525, considered the first documented demand for human rights. Streich received an award worth 15,000 euros for his remarkable commitment to combating racism, discrimination and xenophobia.

In his speech, Mayor Jan Rothenbacher praised Streich's tireless commitment to justice and human dignity as well as his courageous stance against discrimination. The prize has been awarded at irregular intervals since 2005 and honors personalities who support human rights and democracy. Streich joins this list, which also includes the journalist Heribert Prantl, who was honored in 2022 screen newspaper reported.

A solemn remembrance

The award ceremony marked the end of the year celebrating the “Twelve Articles”. Citizens from Memmingen presented the demands of these historical texts in a modern language and gave the values ​​of freedom and equality a new voice. The event was accompanied by musical performances, including pieces from Georg Friedrich Handel's “Messiah”.

Claudia Roth, member of the Bundestag for the Green Party and laudator, highlighted Streich's remarkable commitment to society in her speech. She emphasized how the coach made the stadium a learning place for democracy. Roth also recalled Streich's clear positions on social issues and quoted his words from 2015: "We have all been refugees at some point." This perspective is part of his larger commitment to combating group-based misanthropy.

Christian Streich's impressive career

Christian Streich has had a remarkable career: Born in Weil am Rhein in 1965, he was not only active as a player for FC Homburg, Stuttgarter Kickers and SC Freiburg, but also spent three decades as a coach at SC Freiburg. He began his coaching career in 1995 and retired from active playing in the summer of 2024. His clear positions on political and social issues make him a strong voice in today's football world.

In conclusion, it can be said that the award of the Memminger Freedom Prize is not only an appreciation for Streich, but also a sign of the importance of human rights and democracy in our society. The exhibition “Project Freedom – Memmingen 1525” can be visited in Memmingen until October 19, 2025, which highlights the historical significance of the “Twelve Articles” as well as the daily news supplemented.