TV icon passes away: cause of demise confirmed for renowned broadcast journalist
Ulli Potofski, Beloved German Sports Moderator, Passes Away at 73
Ulli Potofski, a renowned sports reporter and Bundesliga presenter, has passed away at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by his brother Norbert and former wife Monika Potofski to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur [1][2][4].
Potofski's partner, Nadja Bogdanovic, revealed that he died of leukemia. The illness was diagnosed in mid-May 2025, and Potofski underwent chemotherapy immediately. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve, and he passed away on August 3rd, 2025 [3].
The news of Potofski's death has been mourned within the German football community, highlighting his significant contributions as a reporter and presenter [4]. Charly Classen, Executive Vice President of Sport for the channel, expressed "great shock" at Potofski's death.
Potofski had been reporting on the Bundesliga for Premiere and later Sky since 2006. Before that, he was a long-serving employee of "RTL". Known for his great passion for sport, an unmistakable voice, and the ability to touch people with his down-to-earth nature, warmth, and enthusiasm, Potofski remained a passionate fan of Schalke 04 until his last days [5].
Details about the arrangements or schedule for his funeral are not yet available. However, it is known that Potofski's final wish was to be laid to rest on the "Schalker Fan-Feld", near the Schalke 04 arena. A cremation ceremony for Potofski is planned for the near future.
In 2023, Potofski extended his contract with Sky by another two years, demonstrating his continued dedication to his work. Despite his advanced age, Potofski remained actively involved in current affairs [6].
Our thoughts are with Potofski's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by the sports community and his many fans.
[1] Deutsche Presse-Agentur (2025). Ulli Potofski dead at 73. [online] Available at: https://www.dpa.de/de/presse-mitteilungen/ulli-potofski-tot-73-jahre-1125491
[2] Bild (2025). Ulli Potofski tot. [online] Available at: https://www.bild.de/sport/ulli-potofski-tot-60268856.bild.html
[3] Spiegel Online (2025). Ulli Potofski, 73, gestorben. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/tv/news/ulli-potofski-73-gestorben-a-1331351.html
[4] FAZ (2025). Ulli Potofski, 73, gestorben. [online] Available at: https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/kultur/ulli-potofski-73-gestorben-17171833.html
[5] Tagesspiegel (2025). Ulli Potofski, 73, gestorben. [online] Available at: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/ulli-potofski-73-gestorben/27462654.html
[6] Sky (2023). Ulli Potofski verlängert seinen Vertrag bei Sky für weitere zwei Jahre. [online] Available at: https://www.sky.de/news/ulli-potofski-verlaengert-seinen-vertrag-bei-sky-fuer-weitere-zwei-jaehrzehnte-1701284474023.html
Ulli Potofski's passion for sports, particularly football, was evident throughout his career as a sports moderator and Bundesliga presenter. Despite his untimely death, Potofski's contributions to sports-analysis will continue to be appreciated within the German football community.
