In his book, Marcel Reif tells stories from the stadium and from behind the scenes of soccer – the greatest spectacle our present has to offer.
When, in 1984, Marcel Reif switched from political journalism to sports, no one could have guessed to what extent this man – with his completely unique style, originality and humor – would shape reporting on the Bundesliga and international soccer in Germany over decades. There is nothing Marcel Reif didn’t experience during his time at the television networks ZDF, RTL and then during 17 years with Premiere/Sky: the dizzying commercialization and internationalization of soccer, the emergence of constantly new systems of play and the explosion of media coverage and soccer’s importance in our day and age.
Throughout it all, no other reporter has combined entertainment with sharp intelligence, quick-wittedness, expert knowledge and independent judgment as perfectly as Marcel Reif. He has been showered with awards for his work, but also attacked harshly on a regular basis – whether by Club managers, coaches or online. Legendary moments – like when Madrid upset Juventus in 1998 – are as much a part of his experience as ugly attacks from “fans” in the stadium.
