He made his debut very recently, but he is already part of FC Bayern's history: visitors to the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt can be up close with Philippe Coutinho from now on. The new signing will be on hand for photos every day, just like his team-mates. Not in person of course, but almost. As a life-sized cut-out figure made of aluminium, in the new home jersey of course.
To replace the squad takes a lot of effort every year. Each player who left the club was removed separately during the summer, the squad shrinking. A total of 29 cut-outs had to be removed before the 30 new figures were installed, completing the squad. A lane of players and coaches, broad-chested, with motivated glint in their eyes.
New signings in the limelight
The first visitors to see the cut-outs were impressed, taking countless pictures. The new signings were among the most popular figures of course. Besides Coutinho, who attracts fans from all around the globe, Lucas Hernández, Benjamin Pavard, Michaël Cuisance, Ivan Perisic and Fiete Arp are in the limelight every day. Other pros are ever-presents: the figures of captain Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, Jérôme Boateng and David Alaba & Co. were exchanged for the seventh time since the opening of the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt in 2012.
The squad is always fascinating for visitors as the figures are life-sized. The manufacturing and installation of the figures takes enormous effort. The bulk of the players was photographed from specific angles weeks ago. The manufacturing of Coutinho's figure had to be done really quickly.
Two legends still nearby
Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry are not part of the squad any more, but the world-class wingers are still close to their old companions shortly after saying goodbye. Their figures are only a few metres away as part of the special exhibition ROBBÉRY. A visit to the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt pays off in more than one way: fans can marvel at the brand new figures and examine the careers and greatest successes of the two wingers.
