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.

Visit of the New Town Hall Balcony

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz. Book now here!

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 a.m. 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?

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.

City tour and FC Bayern soccer tour

Combine the most famous sights of the Bavarian capital with a visit to the Allianz Arena and the FC Bayern Museum on an outstanding city tour. Book now here!

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?

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!

 

 

Protokolle: Nansen & Piccard; Fotos: 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.

Allianz Arena

Enjoy world-class football

In the Allianz Arena you can enjoy first-class football and 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.

Neues Rathaus

FC Bayern's favourite balcony

The Neue 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 Neue 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.

Olympiapark

The key to success in 1972

The Olympiapark in the north of Munich is a great example of the successful reuse of an Olympic venue.

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.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

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 20 €

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.

A man drives his rickshaw and guests through the Olympic Park in Munich.

Pedicab Tour S Olympiapark

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

Book now for only 95 €!

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

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 only 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.

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...

Panoramic view of the Neues Rathaus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background.

Visit of the New Town Hall Balcony

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.

Book now for only 6,50 €!

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.

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.