Happy birthday Bayern Munich!
On 27 February 1900, one of Germany's biggest football clubs, FC Bayern Munich was brought into existence. 118 years later, it is one of Europe's top football clubs, with some of the biggest superstars in its ranks. Today, as the club celebrates its 118-year anniversary, we take a look at its rich history.
Bayern is Germany's most successful football club
Founded in 1900 by eleven football players, led by Franz John, Bayern Munich is the most successful club in German football history. The team has won 26 Bundesliga titles and 18 national cups. The glory period of Bayern was in 1970s when Franz Beckenbauer led the club to 3 consecutive European Cup victory.
In early days, Bayern faced financial troubles
In the early days, Bayern couldn't sustain financially and had to merge with other entities. In 1906 it became a part of Münchner Sport Club (MSC) and began donning red jersey, a colour the players still wear today. In 1910, the club won the title of Eastern District champions. After World War I, Bayern Munich parted ways with MSC.
Hitler's regime curbed Bayern's wings
Bayern Munich went through a tough period during the Hitler regime. The Bavarian giants had a Jewish background which saw the club decay into irrelevance during this period.
Bayern bounced back in style with return to Bundesliga
Bayern returned to its full glory when the Bundesliga was founded in 1963-64. They formed a young exciting team with the likes of goalkeeper Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller. The club gained promotion to the Bundesliga in 1965 and after that there was no looking back. Trophies followed at the national stage and this team went for European domination.
When Bayern won the treble in 2012-2013
Bayern has won everything a club can think of winning. Its best performance in the recent years was under current caretaker manager Jupp Heynckes when it won the treble in 2012-13. In this season the team is looking good to win Bundesliga and is flying high in the Champions League as well. A successful season would be the perfect gift to the departing stars.
