Herbert Hainer: 'Our club is a powerhouse of identity and a role model for Europe'

Speaking from the heart with great passion, president Herbert Hainer movingly linked the proud history and exciting future of FC Bayern in his opening speech at the club’s 2025 annual general meeting. Looking back on the club's 125th anniversary, the president not only highlighted its extraordinary sporting successes, but also emphasised the rich tradition and unwavering team spirit of the entire club – perfectly embodied, according to the president, by the fans’ rousing gift for the club's 125th birthday: the new club anthem ‘Immer vorwärts, FC Bayern!’.

An anthem sure to give you goosebumps

Hainer recalled the special fan celebration in the spring, when the crowd in the hall united their enthusiasm for the new anthem in a sea of red and white. With legends such as Uli Hoeneß, Giovane Élber and even Sammy Kuffour, who had travelled specially from Ghana, it was a moment that gave all Bayern fans goosebumps, according to Hainer. 

Legends, traditions and Bavarian DNA

Bayern fans were also sure to get goosebumps several times during Hainer’s emotional speech. The president drew an exciting arc from the club’s beginnings – “from Sepp Maier's snuff machine to Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Paul Breitner” – to the modern icons who shape the club today. “They are not just footballers, they are role models all over the world,” Hainer exclaimed. Between anecdotes and impressive statistics, the president emphasised: “Beckenbauer made us dream, Müller made us cheer, Schweinsteiger showed us how to fight, and Harry Kane proves that records are there to be broken.” These words not only highlighted the enormous legacy that fills the Bayern family with pride, but also their unwavering determination to keep developing: “Today, we once again greet our rivals from above, from the top,” said Hainer proudly, “because even after 125 years, FC Bayern is not sitting in front of its trophy cabinet dreaming but remains hungry for more.”

Success at all levels – from the pitch to the court

The speech also highlighted recent success. Last year, for example, marked a historic Bavarian treble. However, it is not only the men’s football team that is traditionally in the spotlight. But speaking on the men’s team, Hainer expressly praised board member for sport Max Eberl, sporting director Christoph Freund and head coach Vincent Kompany: “We are delighted that something is being developed here together.”

Women’s football also set new standards, for example with the opening match of the Bundesliga at the Allianz Arena, where a new record attendance of 57,762 spectators impressively demonstrated the potential of the women’s game. Hainer called out to the women’s department: “You show that success and the path to success are not a question of gender. You are role models beyond the game!”

Marko Pešić named honorary member

Hainer and the members present sent a loud greeting in the form of thunderous applause across the Atlantic to Thomas Müller in Vancouver – the club legend has shaped 25 of FC Bayern’s 125 years. “You are currently showing America how Bavarian football is played. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for you in the playoffs with the Vancouver Whitecaps,” said Hainer.

The president also paid tribute to the success of the basketball team, which played its part in the Bavarian treble and has long been at the forefront of European basketball: “A big compliment to everyone who gives their all for FC Bayern Basketball every day and has given Munich a basketball DNA,” he said. On top of that, Germany’s European Championship-winning squad consisted of five Bayern players, which made Hainer particularly proud. At the same time, Marko Pešić’s equally emotional farewell was a testament to an figure who has established the club as a driving force in basketball for over 15 years. During his speech, the president promptly proposed Pešić, the “father of success”, as an honorary member. The long applause from the members present followed promptly as a sign of approval.

Vision for the future and commitments to sustainability

Beyond sporting success, however, Hainer also looked ahead. FC Bayern stands for sustainable, future-oriented development – both in sporting and social terms. “FC Bayern has always been distinguished by its ability to secure its future without jeopardising the present or betraying its past. Our club is a powerhouse of identity and a role model for Europe. We are independent and not dependent on a large external investor. That must remain the way forward for FC Bayern.”

With innovative projects such as the planned prformance centre at the FC Bayern Campus and a wide range of social initiatives – including the Red Against Racism cause, inclusion and environmental awareness – the club is demonstrating that it is constantly breaking new ground. But without forgetting its three unshakeable pillars: “Sporting success as a basis, plus financial stability and social responsibility,” emphasised Hainer. Above all, togetherness plays a central role. Numerous exclusive events and a transparent exchange with all generations of members show that FC Bayern is much more than just a football club – it is a vibrant community. And a huge one at that: “FC Bayern now has 432,500 members – more than any other club in the world,” said Hainer, calling out to the members present: “You, all of you, are part of this big family – we can be proud!”

Condemnation of hate and discrimination

“FC Bayern focuses on three key concepts regarding its members: attitude, commitment and movement. To bring these goals to life, we rely on the triad of participation, approachability and emotionality,” said Hainer. After all, a club is shaped by the people who carry it in their hearts. It was particularly important to the president that these hearts remain open: “At a time when disruptive forces are putting increasing pressure on our democracy, when populists have found a second home in the anonymity of social media, and when there is more interest in incitement than in dialogue, I want to say once again, loud and clear: those who exclude others lose – in sport as in life! Hate and discrimination are not part of FC Bayern’s game. And they will not be part of it in the next 125 years either!”

FC Bayern: Tradition and Innovation

Rounding off his speech, Hainer recalled the club’s rich history and emphasised once again that tradition and innovation need not be mutually exclusive. The club, which once originated from a modest pub idea, has developed from a local force into a global club – without losing sight of its roots. With great gratitude to the players, officials, fans, the city of Munich and all those who paved the way, the president’s motto is: “The best is yet to come”. This message is not only a call to persevere and continue developing, but also a promise to all Bayern fans – “today and for the next 125 years.”

Photo with all champions

After his speech, Hainer called all the club’s national champions present onto stage for a group photo. In addition to the three professional teams – men’s football, women’s football and men’s basketball – there were the over-32s footballers, the over-40s basketball players, the U19 basketball players and the U19 table tennis players. “You are FC Bayern – and you are all champions,” said Hainer.

Hainer’s vice-presidents presented their reports at the AGM: