It was a warm July Monday in the heart of Manhattan. Amongst honking yellow cabs, the typical skyline romance and the smell of street food, there was suddenly a whiff of Säbener Straße in the air, with almost 300 visitors following it.
That was because on 7 July, FC Bayern's New York office opened its doors once again to mark the club's 125th anniversary - and with it another chapter of transatlantic fan culture. Together with the ClubEleven Soccer Bus, which was parked directly in front of the office on the famous 49th Street between Rockefeller Plaza and 5th Avenue and filled to the brim with original memorabilia, the German record champions celebrated a day full of emotion, closeness and solidarity.
The strikingly bright bus - a museum on wheels - presented special treasures. Match-worn jerseys from club icons such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben, plus exclusive giveaways for all guests. And as a special highlight, there were two signed jerseys from the current team, highly coveted and handed over with attention to detail.
Anyone entering the club office not only experienced trophies to touch, but also an impressive exhibition. ‘American Exploration’, Nicolas Polo's current photography project, captivated visitors with powerful, quiet stories. His portraits tell of cultural diversity in the USA. From charros in Virginia who preserve Mexican horsemanship, to the lowrider community in East LA, to young creatives in New York or talented footballers in Little Haiti who do more than just play – they change lives. It was a visual journey through the other America, full of pride, resilience and identity.
The day in New York was more than just an event - it was an experience. The connection between the club and the fans is growing and it is becoming ever more tangible. Whether through the showcases in the bus, the stories on the walls or the beaming faces, Bayern keeps moving and yet stays true to its roots.
We spoke to various FC Bayern fans at the Club World Cup:
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