In German football, 1. FC Nürnberg can look back on an eventful history steeped in tradition - and that no longer goes just for the men's team. In recent years, 1. FCN Women have worked their way up to the Bundesliga with remarkable speed and professionalism. On Tuesday evening (18:00 CET), FC Bayern Women travel to Nuremberg to take on the side who are back in the German top flight after regaining Bundesliga status. fcbayern.com takes a look at the history, development and arguably the most dangerous player in the club's ranks ahead of this all-Bavarian clash.
A story of ups and downs
Nürnberg women's football is a story of perseverance, passion and constant change. Their roots go back to 1988, when they were founded as a division of 1. FC Nürnberg. Independence came in 1995, followed by the first promotion to the Bundesliga in 1999 in a short but defining look upwards before being relegated again. Years of rebuilding and perseverance led to a leap up to the Women's Bundesliga 2 in 2020/21 and a strong sixth place finish. In 2022/23, FCN set a club attendance record in the DFB Cup round of 16 against Wolfsburg in front of 17,302 spectators, an evening that boosted the profile of women's football in the city.
24 years later, in 2023, the club was promoted to the Bundesliga for the second time, accompanied by a merger with the men's club and a move to the Max Morlock Stadium. They went straight back down again and came back up at the first attempt - an up and down that perfectly reflects the spirit of the club: fall down, get back up, never lose faith.
The route back to the top flight
Promotion once again to the Bundesliga for the 2024/25 season was the reward for an impressive season-long performance. Their success was already assured with four matchdays to go. After a bumpy start with just four points from the first three games, coach Thomas Oostendorp's team put together a run of seven wins and one draw to secure the Herbstmeisterschaft - the so-called autumn championship.
In the second half of the season, the team won ten games and lost just three, which ultimately saw them finish second behind Union Berlin. Thanks to the expansion of the women's Bundesliga to 14 teams, not only Nürnberg were able to celebrate, but also Union Berlin and Hamburger SV, who were also promoted to the top tier. Nürnberg only missed out on the title due to their inferior goal difference - a small downer in an otherwise impressive season.
A stage for big games
The Max Morlock Stadium has long been more than just home to the men's team - it's also the stage for the club's women. With around 50,000 seats and an athletics track around the pitch, it combines tradition and the modern and provides a worthy arena for women's football. Opened in 1928 and modernised several times, the stadium is one of the most historic sporting venues in Germany. Anyone entering the stadium can feel the atmosphere of past successes and momentous footballing moments - a place where the club's passion and identity live on.
Player to watch: Nastassja Lein
24-year-old Nastassja Lein is the face of the resurgence at 1. FC Nürnberg. Three goals and four assists mean the centre forward has been directly involved in seven of her side's ten goals this season. Since her debut in 2017, she's developed into a key figure in attack. Lein epitomises the promoted club's quick transitional play, using her pace and determination to open up gaps and create chances. Following the 2024 relegation, she looks more mature: "We know much better this time what to expect." The past experience, the increase in professionalism at the club and the trust in coach Thomas Oostendorp are paying off. With over nine years in the Nürnberg jersey, she's long since matured into a leading player.
FC Bayern Women host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena next week:
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