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Ulli Potofski: Last trip to the Schalke fan field planned!
Ulli Potofski, the well-known RTL reporter from Gelsenkirchen, will be buried on August 22, 2025 at the Schalke Fan Field.
Ulli Potofski: Last trip to the Schalke fan field planned!
On August 3, 2025, Ulli Potofski, a well-known figure in German sports journalism, succumbed to a serious illness at the age of 73. The reporter, who was born in Gelsenkirchen in 1952, leaves a big gap in the media landscape and is considered a defining figure in sports reporting in Germany. Before his career in sports, Potofski worked as a chef before working for RTL, Sport1 and Sky in the 1980s. He became particularly well known for the football program “Anpfiff”, which he helped to develop and which he hosted on RTL from 1988.
[Bunte] reports that Potofski hosted the show “Auf Schalke” between 1998 and 2002 and became an institution for many football fans.
The popular reporter's funeral is scheduled for Friday, August 22nd. His final resting place will be in the Schalke cemetery in the so-called fan field, which is exactly what he wanted. Gereon Alter, a Catholic priest, will lead the funeral service. Potofski's long-time partner Nadja had wanted a Catholic priest. Christian Sprenger, a close friend of Potofski, describes Alter as warm and unconventional, which could make for a personal and sensitive ceremony. The event will start at 11:04 a.m. and it will be exciting to see who will be there, as information about other participants is not yet known. [RTL] also mentions that the funeral will be financed through donations collected through the “Schalker Markt” foundation.
A lasting legacy in sport
Potofski's career was accompanied by a deep connection to football, especially to FC Schalke 04, of which he was a passionate fan. He even once wore a Schalke jersey during a presentation, which underlined his loyalty to the club. His unforgettable style of reporting and the passion with which he brought the sport to life left a lasting impression. Many sports fans appreciate not only the exciting reporting, but also the emotional connection he built with his audience. According to a current [trend study], despite the variety of media and formats available today, sports reporting is still very popular. Around 73% of Germans are actively interested in sports reporting, which shows how centrally this topic is anchored in their everyday lives.
The exact composition of the audience at Potofski's funeral remains to be clarified. Personalities from the sports world and companions are expected to pay their last respects, even if some, like Wolfgang Bosbach, cannot attend due to scheduling difficulties. One thing is certain: Ulli Potofski will be remembered not only as a reporter, but also as a person and friend.
The funeral on August 22nd will be an opportunity for fans and companions to say goodbye together and celebrate the life of a man who inspired many with his work.