Pascal Zuberbühler in front of “his” wall at the FIFA museum.Image: watson
Former Nati goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler (53) and other footballers exhibit their private photo albums at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. The opportunity to learn more about the charismatic Thurgovian, notably through Neuchâtel Xamax.
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With his 197 centimeters, Pascal Zuberbühler is not only one of the tallest goalkeepers in the history of the Nati in terms of height. He is also recognized by his record: 51 caps, including the 2006 World Cup in Germany – as a starter – where he did not concede a goal in four matches.
‘Zubi’ is one of international football stars invited to present photos from their childhood and youth at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. The ex-doorman has a head full of memories. “It’s a beautiful thing to look back from time to time,” he smiles.
“But we also see how quickly time has passed. I feel like it was yesterday when I was playing at Frauenfeld as a kid. Since then, I have spent 20 years as a professional and some time has already passed since the end of my career.
Pascal Zuberbühler
Photos of the young “Zubi” exhibited at the FIFA museum in Zurich.Image: watson
Head hard and leadership
It was by a detour that Pascal Zuberbühler arrived in football. The Thurgau native first practiced athletics. “I was an individual athlete then, but I wanted to be part of a team and at the same time be special. So it was clear: I would become a goalkeeper. The rise was meteoric,” rewinds the former last rampart of Neuchâtel Xamax (between 2007 and 2008).
“Zubi” with the Nati jersey during the 2006 World Cup.Image: keystone
He achieved his dream of becoming a professional footballer thanks to his character: “Zubi” is a fighter. “I was never a talent, I can say that clearly. “If there’s one thing I didn’t have, it was talent,” he recalls. But with a lot of work and a very strong head, the ex-Nati goalkeeper succeeded.
“I was extreme, I rushed headlong, almost a little too much. I should have taken things a little more lightly. But I followed my path straight”
Pascal Zuberbühler
In 1992, this led Pascal Zuberbühler, aged 20, from FC Frauenfeld to GC, then number 1 in the country. But even in the prestigious Zurich club, the structures are not developed for goalkeepers. “There was no goalkeeping training when I turned professional. However, I was at GC, by far the best club in Switzerland,” he recalls. Specific training for the last ramparts only came later in his career.
Special exhibition
At the FIFA Museum in Zurich, football stars from yesterday and today give a glimpse into their private photo albums. The special exhibition The Making of a Footballer: Photographs of Youthful Dreams can be visited until August 31.
It was at FC Basel (1999-2006) that Zuberbühler, who had since become an international, experienced his most successful period. There, as within the Nati, he was a leader of men. A role he played from a very young age. “I was born already very big, my poor mother must have suffered even more than the others at birth. From daycare, I was always the tallest in my class,” laughs “Zubi.” An extraordinary size which leads him to wear a particular costume:
“When there was a fight, I had to step in and referee. And yet, I was scared! Because I was certainly tall, but very thin and I did not yet have broad shoulders”
On or off the field, Pascal Zuberbühler is a charismatic man.Image: watson
Outspoken and inheritance
But the shoulders broaden and the boy learns quickly. “Over the years, I have acquired a leadership role. Perhaps this is how I became both the guardian and the spokesperson of the team,” he analyzes. Pascal Zuberbühler, who was criticized more than other footballers because of his outspokenness, always stood tall, even when he or his team were going badly.
“I knew I could never be perfect, because mistakes are part of being a goalkeeper. The important thing was to come out of it grown”
At 53, he now passes on what he has learned. “Zubi” is a technical expert at Fifa and, as a TV consultant, he is still an integral part of the Swiss football scene.
French adaptation: Yoann Graber
