Age Proves No Barrier for Euro 2024’s Oldest Volunteer in Soccer

“In Leipzig, Germany, Luka Modric may hold the record for UEFA Euro 2024 oldest goal scorer, and Cristiano Ronaldo boasts six European Championships under his belt. However, neither can overshadow the inspiring story of 89-year-old volunteer Reiner Spankuch at Euro 2024.

Sporting a foam finger and a perpetual smile, Spankuch warmly directs football enthusiasts from across Europe to their seats at Leipzig Stadium. Reflecting on his journey, he shared with Reuters, ‘I began volunteering during the 2006 World Cup in Leipzig. After reaching retirement age, I sought to stay active, engage with others, and remain involved in events.’

Spankuch’s dedication has taken him beyond Leipzig, including volunteering at a table tennis tournament in Las Vegas, a sport he continues to play. ‘Since 2006, I’ve committed to six to seven events annually,’ he added. ‘I still volunteer at RB Leipzig, managing visitor logistics and accompanying fans on away-game bus trips.’

For Spankuch, the most rewarding aspect remains the connections forged with fellow enthusiasts. ‘Interacting with fans enriches my spirit,’ he said, reminiscing about the vibrant atmosphere at Euro 2024. ‘This tournament surpasses the 2006 World Cup in terms of camaraderie, especially with memorable performances from teams like the Dutch and the French.’

As he approaches his 90th birthday in August, Spankuch looks ahead optimistically. ‘The atmosphere here is fantastic, despite the initial rain,’ he observed. ‘It’s a sentiment shared not just by visitors but also by the local community, which will only intensify as the German team progresses.’

(Writing by Trevor Stynes, editing by Ed Osmond)”