Minister-President Markus Söder honours FC Bayern

Last year, president Herbert Hainer jokingly tasked FC Bayern’s women's team with beating the men in 2025, because the club wanted to celebrate twice that year. Mission accomplished, after the women defended their Bundesliga title and the men brought the trophy back to Munich, both teams were once again honoured at the Bavarian State Chancellery. “When FC Bayern is doing well, Bavaria is doing well – that's just a matter of state policy,” said Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, while Hainer addressed the players explicitly in his speech: “You represent a culture that not only wins titles but also inspires people. When I look at you, I see true Bayern people who simply have what it takes. We are proud that you are Bayern.”

Honorary president Uli Hoeneß, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, board member Michael Diederich, board member for sport Max Eberl, sporting director Christoph Freund, FC Bayern Women director Bianca Rech, and vice-presidents Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes joined the two teams in the hall in the Hofgarten. Special gifts were exchanged, including an FC Bayern jersey and a replica of the Bavaria statue. Hainer expressed his gratitude on behalf of the club, as well as on behalf of the FC Bayern Basketball team, which also received an award, and, in the presence of the Minister-President, once again emphasised that the club supports Munich's bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games: “Every sports fan should pave the way for the Games in Munich in the referendum on 26 October.”

Imagine spending a Saturday in Bavaria, said Hainer. “Three generations sitting side by side in the stands at the Allianz Arena. The grandfather who saw Franz Beckenbauer work his magic. The father who grew up with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm. And the daughter who cheers on Giulia Gwinn, Lena Oberdorf and Pernille Harder. Three stories, three perspectives united by sport.” This is exactly what has distinguished FC Bayern for 125 years, the president continued. “Our club is a part of Bavaria, rooted in the Free State, supported by its decision-makers, employees and, of course, by you, the players." For the more than 410,000 members, they are “true role models. You exemplify community and show that anything is possible. You unite generations – from grandfather to granddaughter.”

Söder joked that he had experienced “withdrawal symptoms” after the men missed out on the honour last year, “but now the ‘Stern des Südens’ is shining again, as we are accustomed to.” FC Bayern is a symbol “of our strength and power throughout the Free State,” said the Minister-President, behind whom the two Bundesliga trophies, the Women's DFB Cup, and the two Supercups currently in Bayern’s possession sparkled on a podium. The men are back on track, “FC Bayern Women are opening doors and breaking new ground – a strong community. Without FC Bayern, Germany cannot be successful,” said Söder. The event concluded with a photo with both teams, and everyone signed the Bavarian State Government's Golden Book. 

FC Bayern Women set a new attendance record in Germany last Saturday: