Giulia Gwinn presents book at the Literaturhaus | OneFootball

The Literaturhaus München has twice hosted Pep Guardiola, having recited Catalan poems here during his time as Bayern coach. There was an event with long-time German Chancellor Angela Merkel. And in the past it has held an exhibition on the Munich cult figure ‘Monaco Franz’. Now the venue in the heart of the city was the stage for FC Bayern Women player Giulia Gwinn to present her book ‘Write your own Story’. Among the 350 guests were president Herbert Hainer and honorary president Uli Hoeneß. The latter addressed a few words to the audience: “Giulia Gwinn is a wonderful ambassador for our club and for German football. She is a great personality and a role model, and not just for girls and women.”

“I want to inspire young girls in particular”

In conversation with presenter Sven Voss and her co-author Julien Wolff, Gwinn gave many authentic insights into her development, how she had to overcome adversity as a young girl, how her two cruciate ligament ruptures helped her to mature and what is important to her beyond football. “I want to inspire young girls in particular that there is not just one way, that you should always be courageous, believe in yourself, and then you can write your own story.” The audience repeatedly applauded the 25-year-old for her attitude and views, and Hainer concluded: “This was an extremely successful evening. Giulia not only gave people a better understanding of women's football, but also drew attention to how young women in particular can assert themselves in today's world. It became clear how much strength she needed to go her own way. She inspires and conveys that anything is possible.”

A call from Uli Hoeneß

The evening became particularly emotional when Germany’s captain told an anecdote that still touches her heart to this day. When she woke up from the anaesthesia after her second cruciate ligament rupture, her mobile phone rang. An anonymous call. Normally she doesn't answer the phone if the number is not visible, she said, but in this case, for once, she did. And it was lucky she did. It was Hoeneß. “He told me that the whole of Bayern is behind me and that I can always get in touch with him. He didn't have to do that. I didn't expect that either. It meant all the more to me. These are gestures, for us as players, but also for everyone out there. And that's what makes Bayern special for me.” Hoeneß commented on the story: “This is how Bayern has to be. I’ve never been a claqueur. When Franck Ribéry scores five goals, you don't have to be the umpteenth pat on the back. But when he's in hospital, you have to be the first one at his bedside.” The 350 guests then gave him a long round of applause before Gwinn took a plenty of time to sign autographs.

Watch the current documentary series following FC Bayern Women:

‘Between Triumph & Tears’: Episode 3 of the FCB Women documentary