Former goalkeeper Georg Koch talks about his serious cancer

Ex-keeper Georg Koch: "I'm just happy to be alive"

The former goalkeeper talks about his battle with cancer, his fears, and his longing for life.

Former goalkeeper Georg Koch is a fighter. He has had to prove that again and again in his life. First on the football field, where he played for FC Bayern, 1860 Munich, and the German national team, among others. And then in life, when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2019.

Koch underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and today he is cancer-free. But the disease has left its mark on him. "I'm just happy to be alive," says Koch. "I've learned to appreciate the little things in life again."

Koch's cancer diagnosis came as a shock. "I never thought I would get cancer," he says. "I was always healthy and fit." But then he started having stomach problems. He went to the doctor, and after several examinations, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

"It was a huge shock," says Koch. "I didn't know what to do. I was afraid of dying." But Koch didn't give up. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and today he is cancer-free.

The cancer has left its mark on Koch. He has lost a lot of weight and his hair has fallen out. But he is grateful to be alive. "I've learned to appreciate the little things in life again," he says. "I'm just happy to be here."

Koch is now retired from professional football. He works as a goalkeeping coach and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also involved in cancer prevention work. "I want to help others avoid the same fate," he says.