After winning their 10th straight Bundesliga title, FC Bayern are now also digital champions according to the ‘Digital Champions League’ study by nexum AG and kicker business solutions in March/April 2022. The study analysed the online presence of Europe’s top 20 clubs and how they use digital transformation for their internationalisation strategy. First place went to the Bundesliga’s top side, with the president Herbert Hainer and media director Stefan Mennerich present in Nuremberg for the announcement: “Germany’s serial champions consistently pursue a holistic digital strategy.”
President Hainer: “We’re delighted by this award. Our goal is to reach our fans all over the world, and this works brilliantly via our club platforms. As digitalisation becomes more and more important in our daily lives, as well as in the world of football, we will consistently continue on this path.”
Media director Mennerich: “To be number one in this digitalisation ranking of Europe’s top clubs is something special and a great confirmation for the whole team. And, of course, our journey goes on, with personalisation, even more content for fans or Web 3.0 being just a few keywords we will tackle in the coming weeks and months.”
Top positions in all areas
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way football is consumed and clubs communicate with their fans. The digitalisation of professional sport is increasing. Used correctly, it can open up new markets for clubs around the world. The study therefore evaluated the top 20 European clubs in the FIFA rankings in six categories. FC Bayern secured top spot in ‘online shop’ and ‘professional networks’, and came second in ‘website’ and ‘social media’. FCB was also in the top third for ‘marketing spread’ and ‘e-sports’.
The Munich team therefore dominated the international competition in the overall result and came out on top with a lead of almost 10 percentage points over second-placed Barcelona. Third place also went to a Bundesliga team in RB Leipzig.
FC Bayern have the first chance of silverware in the 2022/23 season in the Supercup on 30 July:
