FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if it takes them hundreds of kilometres through snow and cold. We want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better: our away fans with their special stories, their love and their passion for FC Bayern.
Sometimes even the best-planned holiday comes with a surprise that surpasses everything. That’s what happened to Kirsten and Rupert with their sons Lian and Jonah. Their trip to Paris, including Disneyland, had been booked long ago, but then they found out FC Bayern would be playing in Paris during their stay.
“We tried to get tickets straightaway, and it was amazing it worked out,” says Kirsten. FC Bayern has always been an important part of the family. Munich native Rupert has always been an FCB fan, as are the two boys. Kirsten, who moved to the Bavarian capital for professional reasons more than ten years ago, also supports the German record champions – despite or perhaps because of her origin. “I grew up near Bad Oeynhausen, where there aren’t so many top clubs,” says Kirsten. SV Rödinghausen have competed in the DFB Cup and there is Arminia Bielefeld – but FC Bayern has always been the big attraction.
In the thick of Europe’s top match
As the four are in front of Paris’ Parc des Princes a few hours before kick-off, you can see they’re looking forward to it. The match they’re about to see isn’t any old match, after all, it’s the Champions League top match between first and second in the league phase. The holders take on Bayern, who boast a perfect start to the season with 15 wins from 15.
“The quality of both teams is incredible,” says Rupert: “Last weekend I was at the stadium for Unterhaching against Würzburg – they’re in a completely different league. It’s great to see a match like this live.” The task couldn’t be harder, but the 41-year-old believes in Bayern. Since the spectacular robbery at the Louvre, you know it’s possible to take things away from Paris, he says with a wink. The result and the dramatic course of the match would prove him right.
‘Manuel Neuer is the world’s best goalkeeper’
But no matter the result, the evening would certainly have been unforgettable for the two boys. After a few visits to the Allianz Arena, they saw their favourite club on the road for the first time – and on the big European stage at that. Lian says he’s looking forward the most to seeing Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer play. The ten-year-old is an ambitious young goalkeeper himself and adds: “If you ask me, Neuer is the world’s best goalkeeper.”
Then he gets going: “Both teams have attacking trios in top form at the moment,” says Lian, demonstrating his expertise. His younger brother Jonah, eight years old and also an active player, doesn’t want to be outdone. He predicts a 3-1 win and lists the potential scorers. So what is the best part of the family holiday for the two boys: Disneyland or the Champions League match? “FC Bayern of course,” Lian says with a smile before entering the stadium with his family.
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