Former coach of the world champion in basketball, a powerful message about mental health: “I felt lost. Paralyzed”

Gordon Herbert is one of the most experienced Euroliga coaches, holding the position of Bayern Munich in 2024. Over the years, the Canadian has prepared various bands in Europe and has won several trophies, but its largest performance is represented by the world title won in 2023 with the German national.

Sensational pictures with Gordon Herbert after the world title conquered with Germany

Two years ago, the Germans became world champions, at the end of a final in which they defeated Serbia with 83-77. After the match, Herbert, considered a harsh coach, safe on him, was filmed sitting on the floor with the back supported by a wall and with eyes closed as it inspires and expires strongly.

The respective images were taken over by the international press at that time, but not many knew what was hiding behind that gesture. On Friday, May 9, taking advantage of the fact that this month is dedicated to awareness of mental health issues, Herbert has made a post on LinkedIn in which he revealed part of his story.

The 66 -year -old coach wrote About the hardest moment of his career, about the silent nature of depression and has normalized the request for help.

The Emotions 🥹❤️#Fibawc x #Winforal pic.twitter.com/a6rlhxfcp1

– Fiba Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@fibawc) September 10, 2023

Gordon Herbert: “To ask for help was not easy. But it saved me”

It is a version of my story I used to hide.

For a period, I used the title of “coach” as an armor. I was present, I was leading teams, motivating players – all while secretly, I was struggling. Depression is not always loud. Sometimes it's weight you wear behind closed doors. The fatigue you can't escape. The glass of wine turning into two. And then more.

My hardest moment came when I was in Frankfurt. I felt lost. Paralyzed. Disconnected by myself and everything around me.

To ask for help was not easy. But he saved me.

I share this now – not because I want sympathy – but because I know how many people in sports, management positions and life still try to wear everything on their own.

You are not defeated. You're not alone. And it's ok not to be ok.

In sports, we are talking about resilience, strength of character and mental power. But the real power? It is built when no one looks. In times of silence. In the ones you admit you need help.

This month, I don't just think of players, but also coaches. To physiotherapists. At the support staff. To parents. To the people behind the curtain who give everything – and sometimes they forget to check themselves.

Let's continue to normalize this discussion. Let's continue to be available – fully. Not only with results, but with honesty.

I am grateful for the opportunity to train. I am grateful to be part of this sport. And I am grateful that I stayed to see how life can look at the other side of the effort

– Gordon Herbert

Gordie Herbert, enjoying alongside Dennis Schroder/Photo: Imago Images

Gordon Herbert's record

Gordon Herbert is native to Penticton, Canada and has double citizenship, Canadian and Finnish. After a 12 -year -old career as a basketball player, he started training in Finland at Korihait.

Experienced experiences in Germany, France, Canada, Greece, US and Russia, The period in which the teams trained by Herbert won 2 national cups, a title and a trophy in the Fiba Europe Cup.

In 2021, the Canadian took over the national of Germany and, after a bronze medal at Eurobasket 2022, followed the gold from the 2023 World Championship. In season 2024-2025, Herbert prepared Bayern Munich and, earlier this month, was appointed to the head of the national team.