Elber: “I’m predicting a final between Atlético and Bayern”

Some people go through life with a smile that never fades. Giovane Élber is one of them. A Bayern Munich legend who spent six seasons with the club and won 11 trophies — including a Champions League title — he still serves as an ambassador for the team he most closely identifies with.

The third‑highest foreign scorer in Bundesliga history and a top‑10 all‑time scorer for Bayern, Élber breaks down the upcoming clash in Bavaria and revisits some of his unforgettable battles against Real Madrid, where he often played a starring role. He spoke to AS from his cattle ranch near the Bolivian border, just before flying to Germany to be at the Allianz Arena.

You never played in Spain. How do you speak Spanish so well?

I’ve always been curious, and I’ve always loved learning languages. Shortly after arriving in Europe — after a brief stop in Milan — I went to Grasshoppers in Switzerland. I had an Argentine teammate there who helped me a lot. I speak German well, and I can also manage in English and French, besides Portuguese.

What are you doing now?

I’m a Bayern ambassador and represent the club around the world along with guys like Pizarro, Effenberg, and Makaay. In Brazil, I’m a rancher — I have a farm, and I’m happy.

Could Bayern have put the tie away at the Bernabéu?

Yes. We played really well. The match flew by for me, and Madrid should be happy they scored and still have a chance. There’s still the second leg, and Bayern will need a great performance to advance because with the players Real Madrid has, anything can happen. I think Kompany is doing an excellent job, and as fans we’re enjoying the team’s fantastic form.

Do you sense it will be difficult to finish the job?

You can’t joke around with Madrid. We need another huge performance like the one in the Bernabéu to move on. Playing at home doesn’t make it easier. I’d say it’s still 50‑50.

Is this the most important match of the season?

So far, yes. We have a lot of respect for Madrid. Just look at how many Champions League titles they’ve won. Back in my day, when we faced Madrid, we were excited to measure ourselves against a team bigger than ours — it forced every one of us to give our absolute best. Madrid is in for a very tough night at the Allianz, and I hope Bayern goes through, but we start 0‑0 and still have to work for it.

You were a striker. Do you prefer Kane or Mbappé?

That’s a tough one. Kane moves all over the field and is a great finisher. He’s Bayern’s most important player right now. Mbappé has intelligence, power, and is a lethal scorer. Both are excellent, and I think they’ll be the faces of their national teams at the next World Cup. I’m not choosing.

Another tough one: Olise or Vinicius?

Oof... that’s difficult. Olise is in incredible form. We didn’t know how he’d respond, but he’s been fantastic. With Vinicius, I don’t like his attitude toward referees when things don’t go his way — asking for cards, complaining. That’s not good. He should talk less and just play, because he’s great, but that part of his game I don’t like. So I’ll go with Olise.

How important is Militão’s return?

Very. He’s an experienced center‑back, used to high‑level matches, and he’ll help his team a lot.

What’s your prediction?

I’m going with another 2–1 win for Bayern. They had plenty of chances in Madrid, and I think it’ll be the same at home.

Will you be at the Allianz?

Of course. As soon as the draw came out, I called the club to make sure I’d be invited. It couldn’t be any other way. Anyone who loves soccer can’t miss a match like this — the best in Europe.

You have a lot of faith in Endrick…

It was surprising he didn’t get more minutes under Xabi Alonso, but going to France was a good move for him — he’ll learn and play a different style of soccer that will help him grow. I hope he can return to Madrid. He’s a good player and I think he’ll be important for the club’s future.

How do you remember your goal at the Bernabéu in 2001, the one that sent Bayern to the final and eventually to the Champions League title?

You never forget matches against Madrid — they’re another world. That goal was the peak of my career, from almost 40 yards out and against Casillas. In Munich we won 2–1, I scored there too, and then we beat Valencia in the final to achieve the dream of winning the Champions League.

You played at the Bernabéu just 12 days after knee surgery…

That’s right, but I didn’t want to miss it for anything. I swore to [Omar] Hitzfeld, our coach, that I was fine and begged him to play me. Luckily, I convinced him — and it worked out.

Who’s your favorite to win this year’s Champions League?

I’m predicting a final between Atlético and Bayern…

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