175 fans, one dream – a trip to Munich

Last week around 200 members from FC Bayern’s Asian fan clubs made their way to Munich for an unforgettable trip. Markus Meindl, Director of division Fans, put it in a nutshell on the first of four days: “Since the introduction of the fan club visits, more and more international fan clubs have been attending our matches at the Allianz Arena. We are an international club with Bavarian roots. As part of the Asia fan trip, 175 Bayern fans from 13 countries, from South East Asia to China, made their way to Munich to be close to their FC Bayern in all its historical, cultural and sporting facets. We toasted this passion for FC Bayern tonight at a traditional Bavarian evening with a Paulaner at the Nockherberg.”

Read on to find out how the fans experienced their trip.

Thursday, 24 April 2025 - Paulaner am Nockherberg

Name: Mengxu Li 

Birthday: 17 July 2000 

Country: China 

Member since: 2018 

Reason for becoming a Bayern fan: 2014 World Cup and Thomas Müller 

Favourite moment in Munich: Thomas saw our panda hats after the game and waved at us

Daily plan: After arriving in Munich, the fans gathered for a traditional Bavarian dinner at the Nockherberg, with music, Bavarian cuisine and plenty of FC Bayern spirit.

“Between toasting with our drinks and the smell of roast pork, I realised I was really here - in Munich, with Bayern fans from all over the world, jerseys from all eras, but a shared dream brought us together.

We laughed, took photos, exchanged gifts. Football immediately became our common language. It felt like we had known each other forever.

As an international student, this warmth was something very special, almost like family.

Although we enjoyed German food, the atmosphere felt like home. And we weren't just fans from Chengdu - people from 13 countries came together. 

‘Mia san mia’ - today it became reality.”

Friday, 25 April 2025 – FC Bayern Campus, Allianz Arena & FC Bayern World

Name: Phan Thanh Hung 

Birthday: 30 January 1992 

Country: Vietnam 

Member since: 2006 

Daily plan: The plan for the morning included a visit to the FC Bayern Campus. In the afternoon, they travelled to the Allianz Arena, where the fans explored the stadium, press area, changing rooms and museum.

“Today I walked a path that felt both long and short at the same time. From the FC Bayern Campus to the Allianz Arena - like a belated, but just right pilgrimage to myself.

In the morning, we visited the Campus where young dreams take root. The pitch was perfect, the halls quiet - almost reverent. At the U19 pitch, I asked myself: How many careers start right here?

But the most moving moment came in the afternoon, in the Allianz Arena, directly in front of Müller's spot in the dressing room. His jersey, his boots - suddenly he was very close. I sat down in his seat. It was as if I was sitting in the middle of an old dream.”

Saturday, 26 April 2025 – Matchday at the Allianz Arena

Name: Shah Fazim 

Birthday: 15 March 1973 

Country: Australia

Member since: 2010 

Reason for becoming a Bayern fan: A big fan of Lim Teong Kim, who became a youth coach at Bayern

Favourite moment in Munich: When I sang the club anthem with thousands of fans

Highlight of the trip: Attending the Bundesliga match at home to Mainz at the Allianz Arena, including a fan choreography. 

“I had imagined it countless times - sitting in the stadium one day, at a Bayern game, waving the scarf, singing, chanting. And yesterday this dream came true.

The feeling is still there. Sitting in the sun of the Allianz Arena, cheering until you're hoarse, watching the players walk past very close.

The boy who used to watch games secretly under the covers was now really here - live in the stadium, with his team.

A 13-hour flight, 10,000 kilometres - nothing could stop me. When the score was 3-0 and the stadium sang ‘FC Bayern Forever Number One’, I was in tears.

This is my club. And it always will be.” 

Sunday, 27 April 2025 - FC Bayern Basketball & Women

Name: Zhuoxi Fu 

Birthday: 10 April 1987 

Country: China 

Reason for becoming a Bayern fan: I drew the Bayern badge as an eight-year-old on a gifted shirt and have followed the club ever since

Favourite moment in Munich: When Thomas Müller waved at the Chinese fans at his 500th game during the farewell song at the Allianz Arena, I was in tears

Daily plan: In the morning, they travelled to Säbener Straße to get up close and personal with the players. In the afternoon, the fans were able to visit the women’s team or watch the FC Bayern Basketball Bundesliga match live - including a dramatic last-minute victory!

“On our last day in Munich, we visited the famous Säbener Straße in the morning. In the afternoon, Bayern had organised a basketball match for us.

What was meant to be a cosy finale turned into a real drama. FC Bayern Basketball against Syntainics MBC - the visitors were 19 points ahead at one point.

But the third quarter saw the turning point. Bayern fought back, briefly took the lead, then trailed again. Twelve seconds to go: 87-88. 1.7 seconds left on the clock. One last pass, one shot - the ball flew... and fell through the basket with the siren.

Victory. 90-88. The stadium erupted. An incredible end to an unforgettable journey.”