Chinese football fans are standing on the promenade in front of the Allianz Arena in Munich.

FC Bayern München

La Isla Bonita: FC Bayern fans from all over the world

Every FC Bayern München home game is attended by fans who have travelled from around the world. Three of them explain why their heart belongs firmly to the German record breakers.

Feng Zhu, 33, from Shanghai, China (photographed with his girlfriend Wen Wen, 29)

How many times have you watched FC Bayern München play? 

Today's my first match. I'm already really excited and can't wait to get into the stadium. 

What made you become a fan of FC Bayern München?

It's simple... I fell in love. That was around ten years ago. This club has got a special kind of spirit. I can't think of any other team that is so passionate and really sets out to win every single trophy.

Who is your favourite player?

Thomas Müller of course! He is always so optimistic and puts his all in on the pitch. He seems to approach every match with maximum motivation. It's my dream to get a photo with him.

How do you keep up with FC Bayern München when you're at home?

Luckily almost every match is shown on TV – and I try to make sure that I never miss a game. The only problem is the time difference. Sometimes I have to get up at 2 am to catch the match, but it's always worth it.

What else have you got planned in Munich?

Well, we don't actually have that much time. We landed the day before yesterday. Tonight we're heading to the Weinzelt (wine tent) at Oktoberfest and then we're flying back to Shanghai again tomorrow.

Franklin Ajiba, 40, from Lagos, Nigeria

 

What made you become a fan of FC Bayern München?

It all dates back to the time when a young man from Ghana played here, Sammy Kuffour. That was in the 1990s; I had just finished high school and FC Bayern caught my attention. After all, Ghana is not far from Nigeria.

Who is your favourite player of recent years?

Franck Ribéry, because his name sounds a bit like mine. And Arjen Robben, because he shoots with his left foot, like me!

What is it that fascinates you about FC Bayern München?

Mainly it's unique history. So many incredible people have played for the club. Just think of Franz Beckenbauer, for instance. And I also like the fact that FC Bayern has enjoyed such constant success. They're in the Champions League year in, year out – and pretty much always make it to the semi-finals at least.

Did you travel to Germany just to watch FC Bayern?

No, I work for a big chemicals company and I'm here in Munich for the Drinktec trade fair. But as I'm already here, I wanted to make the most of this opportunity and see the Allianz Arena with my own eyes.

And does the real thing live up to your expectations?

Oh, yes! This stadium is really unique. Just look at the structures on the façade! I am so impressed. I've heard it lights up in the dark. I would love to see that some time.

Alexandro Gamboa, 36, from Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico (photographed with Victor Rodriguez, 37)

 

What's your personal favourite FC Bayern München moment?

The 2013 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. I've never seen such an exciting, top-class game of football.

What is it that fascinates you about FC Bayern München?

FC Bayern is one of the best teams in the world. And I'm just a big fan of the German style of football: they play with power, always looking for the most direct path to the goal. The last time Mexico played Germany, it didn't really go too well for us. But we're better at boxing.

Who is your favourite player of recent years?

Franck Ribéry. He is both strong and fast and his technique is incredible.

How do you keep up with FC Bayern München when you're at home?

I don't watch many matches live because of the time difference. But luckily for me, channels like ESPN show the highlights. The main draw for me is the Champions League; I never miss those matches.

Do you support any other clubs?

Yes, FC Bayern is my favourite European club. At home, I follow UNAM Pumas from Mexico City. We once even won a friendly against Real Madrid!

 

 

Text: Nansen & Piccard; Photos: Frank Stolle
FC Bayern München
Chinese football fans are standing on the promenade in front of the Allianz Arena in Munich.

FC Bayern München

La Isla Bonita Bayern

Every home game is attended by fans who have travelled from around the world. Three of them explain why.

Every FC Bayern München home game is attended by fans who have travelled from around the world. Three of them explain why.

Massage table in the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Allianz Arena

A look behind the scenes

Experience the unique atmosphere in the players zones and catacombs of the Allianz Arena on an arena tour!

Only the players and coaches are allowed in here: experience the unique atmosphere in the players zones and catacombs of the Allianz Arena on an arena tour!

Three trophies in the Erlebniswelt FC Bayern München.

FC Bayern Museum

Football museum at its best

The FC Bayern Museum gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the successful German record breakers’ story.

An emotional journey: the FC Bayern Museum gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the successful German record breakers’ story.

The Allianz Arena in Munich illuminated in red at sunset.

Enjoy world-class football

Allianz Arena

The heart of football in northern Munich: at the Allianz Arena, you can marvel at top-class matches and enjoy the FC Bayern Museum.

The heart of football in northern Munich: at the Allianz Arena, you can marvel at top-class matches and enjoy the FC Bayern Museum.

A closer look at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Football in Munich

Munich and football

Munich and its teams: the Reds are a global brand, the Blues have already had better days - but the hearts of the people of Munich are still fairly evenly distributed.

Munich and its teams: the Reds are a global brand, the Blues have already had better days - but the hearts of the people of Munich are still fairly evenly distributed.

View of the Neues Rathaus and the towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

FC Bayern's favourite balcony

Neues Rathaus

The Neues Rathaus is the home of politics and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they've won the championships.

The Neues Rathaus is the home of politics and its balcony is also the place where FC Bayern greet their fans when they've won the championships.

Panoramic view from the Olympiaberg with Olympic Lake, Olympic Tower and the headquarter of BMW in Munich in the background.

The key to success in 1972

Olympiapark

The Olympiapark in the north of Munich is a great example of the successful reuse of an Olympic venue. And there is still a lot to do here in terms of sports and culture.

The Olympiapark in the north of Munich is a great example of the successful reuse of an Olympic venue. And there is still a lot to do here in terms of sports and culture.

Panoramic view of the Munich Christmas market at Marienplatz.
Christmas Market Tour

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Book now for 30 €!

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

Get in the mood for Christmas on this tour through the old town in the wonderful atmosphere of fragrant almonds and glittering lights.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".
Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Merchant with dried fruit on the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.
Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Book now for 40 €!

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Three copies of the official Munich city guide are slightly stacked on top of each other so that the image of the Frauenkirche remains visible on each one.
Official Munich City Guide

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!  a

Order now for 8,90€ incl. shipping!

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides.

With our new city guide, you can take a relaxed stroll through the most beautiful neighbourhoods and discover insider tips from our guides - from sights to hidden highlights. Order now free of shipping costs!

View of a residence serenade with candles in the court chapel.
Residenz Serenades

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Book now from 38 €

This Munich experience promises high culture for newcomers and enthusiasts: enjoy the popular Mozart concerts in the Residenz.

Exterior view of the Munich Palace of Justice on Prielmayerstraße in Maxvorstadt.
Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Book now for 20 €!

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich
New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 22 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.
Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich
Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.
Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now!

Street Art-Tour

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

Experience the city's diverse art & exciting graffiti on our street art tour!

Did you know that Munich was a pioneer of the European graffiti scene? Discover different art up close in the city with our street art tour today!

View of the Salzach river and the castle in Salzburg.
Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Book now from 58 €

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

A stone jug with the inscription Oktoberfest Munich.

Order now!

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

A woman in the exhibition "Der Blaue Reiter" in the Lenbachhaus in Munich
Discovery trip incl. City Pass

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

3 days from 313 € for 2 Pers.

2 nights in your selected hotel and - thanks to the City Pass - free admission to 45 museums, sights and attractions: our travel package for explorers.

Bag on green background
Vouchers

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Give the gift of a special Munich voucher: we also offer vouchers for all our guided tours. Here you can book unique Munich experiences directly online, print them out and give them as a gift voucher to friends or family.