Why Daniel and Heiko's passion for Bayern burns bright in the north

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 the cold and air. 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.

Hamburg, Volksparkstadion. For many it’s an away game – for Daniel it’s almost a home game. He lives in Hamburg and works “just next door” at the Barclays Arena. Next to him is his uncle Heiko. He’s travelled from Bremerhaven and originally comes from Cuxhaven. It’s about two hours’ drive – that’s nothing for an FC Bayern match.

The two are united not only by their love for the German record champions, but also by their life in the north. “When Bayern play here, you have to do everything you can to be there,” says Heiko. Today it worked out – thanks to good contacts and a clear question of priorities: works council meeting or football? The decision was not difficult. 

You don’t become a Bayern fan – you are one

Why Bayern, even though Hamburg, Bremen and St. Pauli are on their doorstep? For Daniel and Heiko, the answer is clear – and a familiar one. “You’re kind of born into it,” explains Heiko. His mother was a Bayern fan, the father supported HSV, so rivalry was there from an early age. 

Heiko grew up with the great names in Bayern’s history: Breitner, Beckenbauer – memories of a time when HSV were also among the best teams in Europe. But a switch of allegiance was never up for debate for him. “The Reds are the one – there’s no one else.”

Family also played a crucial role for Daniel. His father tried to make him a Gladbach fan – without success. “That was the generation of the 70s and 80s,” he recalls. Bayern prevailed in the end.

Sympathy for the north – love for Bayern

Despite their clear club allegiance, both also have an attachment to northern Germany. Hamburg, Bremen, St. Pauli – they have a soft spot for them. “We're still northern Germans, after all,” says Heiko. Sympathy, yes, but without doubting their own passion.

That’s exactly why matches like this one at the Volksparkstadion are something special. Tickets are hard to get, whether it’s at HSV, Werder or at the Millerntor. That makes the joy of being here even greater: in neutral seats, fourth row, close to the pitch.

Memories between Volkspark and Munich

Heiko associates one personal highlight with the old Volksparkstadion. In the late 70s or early 80s, Bayern won here “by the skin of their teeth”. HSV were strong, the stadium legendary – and Heiko still a boy. “You don’t forget that,” he describes.

When Daniel thinks of special Bayern moments, a painful one comes to mind first: the defeat in the Champions League final in Munich. “That still hurts today.” Football writes stories that last – even the bitter ones.

Shared experienced connect the pair to this day. Around a year ago, they travelled to Munich specially for the match against Union Berlin. Then came the snow, the postponement and an 11-hour return journey. Annoying, and yet part of the fan story.

Confidence remains after full time

Before kick-off, confidence levels are high. The team are looking solid, even setbacks don’t throw them off course. “At the moment, you have the feeling that anything can happen, come what may,” says Heiko. Daniel agrees: “There’s rarely been a more settled and better FC Bayern team than this one.”

After 90 minutes, the scoreboard shows a 2-2 draw. No win, but no dent to the belief either. For Daniel and Heiko, there’s one thing that matters more than anything on this evening: being there when FC Bayern play in the north.

Fan memories forever

Heiko has only met a player in person once so far – in 2016 at Säbener Straße. “I squeezed myself in between the children like a little kid.” You don’t forget moments like that.

And that’s precisely what it’s about here at the Volksparkstadion: memories, closeness, people who love their club regardless of the score. For Daniel and Heiko it’s clear: FC Bayern is a part of life. Even – and especially – in the north.

The analysis of Bayern’s match at HSV: