Lohmann: 'Bayern was always there for me'

Sydney Lohmann joined the FC Bayern Women youth section at the age of 16. Nine years later, the 25-year-old is leaving Munich to join English Women's Super League club Manchester City for the coming season. Lohmann spoke to fcbayern.com about her fondest memories in the Bavarian capital, training after school, valuable advice from Gina Lewandowski and her connection to FC Bayern.

Sydney Lohmann 

…on her fondest memories of FC Bayern 

“There are a few, of course. The first thing that comes to mind is my debut in 2017. That was a big surprise at the time; I was in the starting line-up, which I hadn't expected. The 2021 championship also holds a very special place in my heart. Back then, as now, we were an incredibly good and close-knit team. It was my first championship, so it was also very emotional for me personally. And then there's last season and the double. It was a historic season, and the way we achieved our big goal as a team was special. The Champions League match against Barcelona at the Allianz Arena in 2022 is definitely one of the best moments too. Playing in front of so many fans was incredible. I'll remember that game forever."

…on the importance of FC Bayern in her career 

‘I owe FC Bayern an incredible amount. The club has had a huge impact on me, not only in terms of sport, but above all as a person. I was still at school when I came here at the age of 16. The entire club, the people in charge, the coaches, all the staff at the club were always there for me. I was challenged, but also constantly encouraged. Everyone placed their trust in me.’

…on influential role models and valuable advice

‘I was very lucky to be able to train with experienced players such as Melanie Behringer, Melanie Leupolz, Carina Wenninger and Simone Laudehr from a very early age. Their experience and support have shaped me to this day. Gina Lewandowski in particular always told me how important it is to stay grounded and work hard. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by good people who only wanted the best for me.’

📽️ Sydney Lohmann's best moments during her time at FC Bayern: 

...on gratitude, trust and her second home

"I’m grateful for everything that’s happened over the past nine years. My whole life has been built around Munich and FC Bayern. I can still remember how I used to rush to training after school so as not to miss a minute. Whether it was my first year in Aschheim or then from the second season onwards at the Campus. The fact that the club even moved some of my training sessions for me shows how much they cared about my development. I’m still very grateful to the club for that today. I always enjoyed working together every day, and after the summer and winter breaks I always had that special tingle and anticipation of coming back to the Campus."

...on her connection to FC Bayern

"I wish the team and FC Bayern all the best. Munich will always be my home, my family lives nearby, and I’ll try to visit as often as possible to see the girls – even if that won't always be easy with my new schedule. This team has developed so well in terms of football, and I’m convinced they’ll continue to progress under the new coach. I’ll continue to keep my fingers crossed for FC Bayern and follow the girls in the future."

...on the importance of fans, and her farewell

"A big thank you to the fans, who’ve grown into a real community over the past few years and have always supported us. I still remember how it was just a small group eight or nine years ago – today there’s a real atmosphere, both at home and away. I sincerely hope this continues. I'm sorry that I never got to say goodbye to the fans properly on the pitch. I hope we'll see each other again in the near future. I'd love to come back to the stands and say ‘Servus’ to everyone."

Lohmann is leaving FC Bayern Women: