Seal element of the university of freiburg in the shape of a flower

Christian Streich Honoured with University Medal

Freiburg, 04/07/2025

At the award ceremony on July 4, Chancellor Christina Leib emphasized how Streich strengthened the values of the University of Freiburg’s mission statement: “In particular, Christian Streich’s stance on diversity, openness and tolerance as well as his clear position in defense of democracy and the rule of law should be emphasized.”

Two people presenting a certificate.
Christian Streich and Christina Leib at the presentation of the University Medal. Photo: Klaus Polkowski / University of Freiburg

During the University of Freiburg’s Alumni Day on 4 July 2025, Christian Streich was awarded the University Medal of the University of Freiburg. In its reasons for the award, the executive board declared that the alumnus has a far-reaching popular appeal and makes an unusual contribution to the reputation of the University of Freiburg. Speaking before around 200 attendees, Head of Administration Christina Leib emphasised how greatly Streich reinforces the values of the mission statement of the University of Freiburg: “Above all, Christian Streich’s approach to diversity, openness and tolerance, as well as his clear stance on the defence of democracy and the rule of law, should be stressed.”

Streich’s stance against anti-democratic trends

Leib referred in particular to Streich’s press conference in January 2024 when he was the first trainer from the German professional football league to take a clear stance against anti-democratic trends and appealed to all citizens to oppose right-wing extremism. Leib explained that this was only one example of how Streich uses his fame to stand up for openness, tolerance and diversity. In an interview published ahead of the award ceremony, Streich emphasised how important universities are now in times of “alternative truths”. He also addressed university members: “The university is an incredibly important institution, and its members should clearly and distinctly stand up for human rights, diversity [and] pluralism, and also express this.”

Panel discussion on the future of democracy in times of danger

Following the award of the University Medal, Streich discussed the future of democracy in times of danger with Junior Professor Dr. Elisabeth Piller (expert in transatlantic and North American history at the University of Freiburg), Dr. Christine Althauser (alumna, second chair of Alumni Freiburg e.V., former German ambassador/general consul), Matthias Deutschmann (alumnus, political cabaret artist) and Dr. Nicola Brandt (alumna and head of the OECD Berlin Center).

Christian Streich: On professional football and ‘second chance’ education at the university

After getting his school leaving certificate, Streich took vocational training as an industrial manager. This was followed by years in professional football at FC Homburg and with the Stuttgarter Kickers. Through ‘second chance’ education, the zweiter Bildungsweg which enables adults who did not qualify for university at school, he subsequently took his Abitur university entrance qualification, going on to study German, history and P.E. teaching at the University of Freiburg. “To go to university was something quite extraordinary for me, because I come from a family of artisans. None of my immediate relatives had been to university before me. Being able to study, attend lectures and learn from professors are things I had never expected just a few years earlier and I hadn’t worked towards it either when I was at high school,” says Streich.

Contact

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University of Freiburg
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