Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches, even if it takes them hundreds of kilometres through snow and cold. We want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better, revealing the special stories of our away fans, their love and their passion for Bayern.
When Thomas talks about his favourite Bayern moment, his eyes still sparkle today. In the mid-2000s, Bayern came to a training camp in Donaueschingen - very close to Fürstenberg, where Thomas lives with his family. As a member of the Bayernpower Südbaar Geisingen fan club, he and 20 other fans were allowed to have dinner with the team. “Uli Hoeneß shook hands with everyone. We were given a really warm welcome. It was a real delight,” recalls Thomas. Mehmet Scholl was still playing at the time, Felix Magath was the coach and Raimond Aumann was the fan representative. “Bayern is simply one big family,” says Thomas, who is now proud to be part of this history with his own family.
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Together with his wife Daniela, son Javid and daughter Romina, Thomas travelled to Milan for Bayern's Champions League match away against Inter. A very special experience, despite the elimination, because it was the first time that the four of them had travelled to a European match outside of Germany together.
Across the Alps and Lake Como to the San Siro
From the south of Baden-Württemberg, just under 300 kilometres from the Allianz Arena, the journey to Milan took around five and a half hours by car via Switzerland and Lake Como. The fact that it was the Easter holidays played into the family's hands. “Several factors always have to come together,” explains Thomas, who is a youth coach at VfL Riedböhringen and trains his son Javid there. “Bayern have to be playing, the kids have to be off, and of course you also need tickets.” So, with the car packed, off they went.
The family arrived in northern Italy the day before the match. They had to have a tour of the city to get them warmed up for some Champions League action. This time they were not seated in the Bayern block, but in the regular section – not that it bothered anyone. The atmosphere in the San Siro? “Amazing!” according to Javid.
From first jersey to first away game
For Thomas, his love of Bayern began at the age of 10, when he was given his first jersey. Since then, the passion has never waned but has been passed on. They go to the stadium two or three times a season, usually to Munich. As a family, they have already been to Champions League matches against Inter and Benfica in 2022. But an away game in Europe is a whole different ball game.
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Their favourite matches? Each family member has their own favourite. For Thomas, it was the 4-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in November 2019 – Hansi Flick's second game as head coach. Son Javid has particularly fond memories of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry's last Bundesliga home game against Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019. Daughter Romina raves about Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala – “they're just cool”. And Daniela? “I think it's great that we're doing a trip like this as a family and that the kids really enjoy going with us.”
Predictions, hope and favourite players
That evening in Milan, they didn't all agree on their predictions, but everyone was certain that Bayern would progress. Daniela said a 3-1 win; Romina thought it would be decided in 90 minutes. Javid and Thomas were leaning more towards it going to extra-time, perhaps even a penalty shootout. Unfortunately, their wishes were not granted and Bayern were dramatically eliminated after a tough 2-2 draw. And while Romina is getting behind Kane and Musiala, Javid is clear in that “Kimmich is my favourite player. I like his style and he also comes from near us.” Kimmich's hometown of Bösingen near Rottweil is only 30 kilometres away from Fürstenberg.
But first of all, in addition to supporting the team, Thomas & Co. spent Wednesday evening enjoying what made this evening in Milan so special: a family united by their love of Bayern. And the feeling of coming full circle, from the meeting with Hoeneß back then to the trip to San Siro today.
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