FC Bayern enjoyed the support of numerous fans at the opening match of the Club World Cup in Cincinnati. Keith and Jeff, two passionate FCB supporters from Ohio, also set off at the weekend to watch their favourite club play live against Auckland City. Just a two-hour drive separated them from an experience they can usually only enjoy by travelling to Europe at enormous expense. On this occasion, though, they were able to get up close to the German record champions - both on and off the pitch.
Bayern fans since the 1970s
The pair, who we met at the FC Bayern pub takeover at The Pitch next to the stadium in Cincinnati, have been rooting for the Reds their whole lives. The two friends discovered their passion for German football in the 1970s, the golden era with legends such as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Gerd Müller. "The main focus of the Bundesliga back then was on Bayern Munich - and so we watched a lot of games," they recall. They were particularly inspired by the fans’ passion. Both agree: "You couldn't wish for more in that respect. Bayern Munich have fans in every corner of the world and is one big family. That's what sets us apart."
Unique FC Bayern feeling at the pub takeover
To this day, the two fans remain loyal to the German record champions and still get carried away by the Mia san mia spirit. They were able to soak up this unique FC Bayern feeling around the Club World Cup match against Auckland. At the pub takeover at The Pitch in Cincinnati on Saturday and Sunday, over 1,200 Bayern fans came together to celebrate their love for the German record champions. The entertaining programme, including a meet & greet with FCB Legend Rafinha, the opportunity to have a selfie with the Meisterschale and a mascot challenge with Berni was enough to make the fans’ hearts beat faster.
FC Bayern Day in Cincinnati
What's more, as part of the pub takeover in Cincinnati, 15 June 2025 was declared FC Bayern Day. City mayor Aftab Pureval presented the official proclamation to FCB executive vice chairman Michael Diederich in the presence of Martin Wilhelmy from the German Consulate, Hans Zimmer (president of the Munich Sister City Association) and Adam Jacob from the Over the Rhine fan club.
This special and cosy FC Bayern feeling at the pub takeover and the opportunity to watch Harry Kane, Thomas Müller and Co. play practically on their doorstep meant a lot to Keith and Jeff: "It's just amazing!" Their connection to FCB is so strong that they've joined a fan club in Columbus (Ohio). They usually watch the games together with the other members over a cool drink in their favourite pub. Since the 1990s, they've also regularly made the 7,000 kilometre journey to experience the fascination of their favourite club up close in Munich. One particular highlight was a visit to the training facility at Säbener Straße before a Champions League match in 2012. "It was an unforgettable trip," they both agreed.
They'll remember this weekend for a long time to come too. The experience was crowned by a resounding victory for Bayern, who celebrated a successful start to the tournament thanks to a convincing 10-0 win against Auckland City. Right in the middle of the celebrations: Keith and Jeff.
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