On August 23, 2024, Hamburg Football Club announced that Klaus-Michael Kühne, a major shareholder of Hamburg, has passed away at the age of 89.

Hamburg Mourns Klaus-Michael Kühne

The logistics entrepreneur has passed away at 89. Hamburg has lost a loyal shareholder, a dedicated supporter, and a passionate fan.

In recent years, Klaus-Michael Kühne – at least regarding matters related to Hamburg Football Club – had become relatively quiet. The logistics entrepreneur held the second-largest stake in Hamburg Football AG & Co. KGaA through his Kühne Holding GmbH, and although he always followed the development of his beloved club, he had ceased making public statements about the affairs of the "Red Shorts." He celebrated the team's promotion to the Bundesliga at his second home in Switzerland, enjoyed the relief of early relegation safety the previous season, and praised the overall development of Volksparkstadion.

The global entrepreneur, whom many long-time partners and colleagues called "KMK," never shied away from admitting that his investment in Hamburg was not for profit, unlike many of his other business ventures. When Hamburg separated its professional football division from the club in 2014, he wanted to create momentum. "I hope Hamburg can return to the standing of the late 1970s and early 1980s," he said in an interview with Hamburg media at that time. This meant: eventually climbing back up – in the long term.

Reality – from one relegation battle to the next, sporting disappointments, and ultimately descent to 2. Bundesliga – caused Kühne great heartache. He became frustrated after defeats, threatened to withdraw his support and funds, and made his attitude clear to successive boards and sports directors regarding the team's prolonged stay in 2. Bundesliga. What many did not know was that even after the most painful defeats, Kühne enthusiastically followed every Hamburg match, clenched his fists, and hoped for victory. Moreover, by purchasing the stadium naming rights, he brought a unique boost to Hamburg's image. He was the one who restored the stadium, which had been renamed many times, to its original name: Volksparkstadion. He facilitated this step. "KMK" always showed up when Hamburg needed him.

Although Klaus-Michael Kühne also managed many other major projects in Hamburg and visited the city regularly, the last time he directly attended a home match was more than a decade ago. That final visit will not happen again. Klaus-Michael Kühne passed away on August 23, 2024, at the age of 89.

Hamburg will always remember Klaus-Michael Kühne. Our condolences go to his wife, Christine.

Rest in peace, KMK.

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