German professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper Robert Enke died on the night of November 10, 2009, at the age of 32, by suicide, he was standing in front of a regional express train at a level crossing in Eilvese, Neustadt in Rübenberge.
Police confirmed a suicide note was discovered but would not publicize its details. His widow, Teresa, revealed that her husband had been suffering from depression for six years and was treated by a psychiatrist. After the death of his daughter Lara in 2006, he struggled to cope with the loss.
Enke began playing football at an early age, initially playing as a striker, before making the switch to a goalkeeper, where he displayed obvious talent. He joined Carl Zeiss Jena in 1985 after an impressive performance while playing against them in a youth team match for SV Jenapharm.
He worked his way up to the first team at Carl Zeiss Jena during the 1995–96 season. He made his professional debut on 11 November 1995, against future club Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga.
In June 1999, he joined Benfica in Portugal, signing a three-year contract, and becoming one of four goalkeepers on the team’s books. Enke had a history of panic attacks: 88 and had second thoughts soon after signing for the team. He realized however that, having signed a contract, he was obliged to fulfill it.
After four months back at Barcelona, but outside the first team squad, Enke dropped down to the Spanish Segunda División when he was loaned to CD Tenerife in January 2004 for the remainder of the season.
Following his return to form at CD Tenerife, Enke returned to his homeland joining Bundesliga side Hannover 96 in July 2004 on a free transfer in an initial two-year deal.
Enke played 180 times for Hannover 96 in total. He made the final appearance of his career on 8 November 2009 in a 2–2 draw at home to Hamburg, just two days before his death.