“Mia san mia”
Global success story: how FC Bayern Munich worked its way up to world class level and how it will be celebrating its 125th anniversary.
Christina Iglhaut ,
23.01.2025 
The history of FC Bayern began rather unostentatiously in a café in Munich 125 years ago. Today, with around 382,000 members, the club is the world’s largest sports association. Its trophy cabinet is full to bursting after 33 championship wins in the German Bundesliga and six Champions League titles. And it is not only in Germany that people are mad about FC Bayern: there are 510 official fan clubs in 105 countries around the world, with more than 40,000 members.
Footballing legends such as the world cup winners Franz Beckenbauer, Uli Hoeness and Oliver Kahn or World Player of the Year Lothar Matthäus have all left their mark on the club’s history. The player with the most appearances is not among them, however: world cup winner Thomas Müller holds the record, having played in more than 700 matches.
Key questions and answers about FC Bayern and its 125th anniversary:
When and how was FC Bayern founded?
On 27 February 1900, 17 young men met up at Café Gisela in Munich to establish a new club based on their own ideas. In a kind of local rebellion, they wanted to set themselves apart from the men’s gymnastics association in the city, which still regardedfootball as a faddish English sport. Since 1970, FC Bayern has also had a women’s team. It has won the German championship several times and regularly plays in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
What does “Mia san mia” mean?
FC Bayern’s chant of “Mia san mia” confuses not only fans abroad but often those in Germany, too. It is a Bavarian dialect expression that means: “We are who we are”. It stands for the Bavarian way of life, sporting ambition and pride in one’s own identity.
Who was FC Bayern’s most expensive transfer?
The most expensive transfer in the history of FC Bayern Munich was the signing of Harry Kane in the summer of 2023. The captain of the England squad moved from Tottenham Hotspur to FC Bayern for a transfer fee of around 100 million euros.
What role is played by the Allianz Arena?
The Allianz Arena has not only been FC Bayern’s home ground since 2005, but has also become a Munich landmark. The Arena lights up in red when FC Bayern Munich plays at home and in white when international matches are played there. On special occasions the stadium also lights up in different colours specifically to underscore messages that address social issues. For example, the Allianz Arena lights up in orange on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Is only football played at FC Bayern?
No, besides chess and table tennis, basketball is among the sports played at FC Bayern. Its basketball team plays in the highest German league (BBL) and takes part in international competitions such as the EuroLeague.
How will FC Bayern be celebrating its 125th anniversary?
Fans and members can look forward to all kinds of anniversary events and festivities. These include the Beckenbauer Cup, a tournament in March to honour the club’s late president Franz Beckenbauer.
