At 9:12 pm, the time had come in the north-east of Munich: the German record champions’ team bus turned into the entrance of the Zenith Kulturhalle in Freimann and, to the loud cheers of the numerous invited guests, captain Manuel Neuer was the first to bring the Meisterschale onto the stage. Just a few hours earlier, FC Bayern had ended their 34th title-winning season with a fitting 4-0 victory at TSG Hoffenheim, and now the FC Bayern captain admitted that the past season without a title had been “a very special motivation” for the team. “We wanted to finally bring the trophy back to Munich. We did it,” Neuer shouted to the cheering fans and staff. Then all the team-mates joined their goalkeeper on the podium, and together with the staff they lifted the most important trophy in German club football once again as confetti rained down and the event hall was transformed into one big, collective, glittering celebration.
‘Historic’ achievements for women
The successful women's team also made their way through the crowd towards the stage to the thunderous applause and cheers of the fans. “We've only just realised it a little bit, but probably not yet fully,’ admitted Giulia Gwinn when asked by stadium announcer Stephan Lehmann about the team’s historic achievement of the first double in the club's history. “I'm incredibly proud,” said president Herbert Hainer. “We're celebrating two championship titles this year. And if the basketball players, who are currently playing, manage to do the same in the end, then that would be even more historic – we've never had three championships before. So I'm a very happy and proud president!’
The best photos from the night:
CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was also overjoyed: “The men were top of the table since Matchday 3 without interruption, have only suffered two defeats, scored 82 points and 99 goals – almost 100. And we'll get that one missing percentage point next year,” he promised. Dreesen shouted enthusiastically. “The trophy is home because we played a good season!” Dreesen and Hainer joined deputy CEO Michael Diederich, board member for sport Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund in thanking not only the players for their achievements, but also the coaching team and other staff of FCB. ‘It’s the championship of each and every one of them. Because without all these contributions, we wouldn't have been able to do this together,” said Dreesen.
Kompany: ‘We want to keep winning’
Men’s coach Vincent Kompany also expressed his thanks – particularly to his title-winning team. “It’s been fun,” said the Belgian. “We’ve seen a team, one that’s worked hard and battled. It’s been a great experience both on a personal and sporting level.” He promised that he and the players “want to keep working and keep winning. Thank you for your support, now let’s party – and then it goes on.” Indeed, the Club World Cup begins in a matter of weeks in the USA.
Herbert Hainer also called on Bianca Rech, director of women's football, and outgoing women's coach Alexander Strauß to join him. “Four Bundesliga titles in five years, and this year the double – that's historic!” declared Hainer. “Success is no longer just a matter for the men at FC Bayern, which is above all thanks to you and I would like to say thank you for that.”
Thomas Müller starts chant
Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich was serious when he said: “Thomas has practised a few songs for the Town Hall balcony on Sunday.” Thomas Müller, who will end his great career at least in the FC Bayern shirt after this season, demonstrated this immediately. The club legend sang a loud “Super Bayern, super Bayern – hey, hey!” into the microphone with the cheering crowd, which set the mood for a happy, relaxed and cheerful end-of-season party for FC Bayern.
How FC Bayern will be celebrating with their fans on Marienplatz on Sunday:
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