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Bayern Munich: 125 Years | A Tribute to a Footballing Powerhouse

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A new book by Christian Eichler celebrates Bayern Munich’s rich history and global impact.

Few football clubs command the level of respect, admiration, and sheer dominance that FC Bayern Munich has cultivated over the past 125 years. Now, a new book, FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years, authored by esteemed sports journalist Christian Eichler and published by Prestel, offers a comprehensive and visually stunning tribute to the club’s legacy. Released on April 1, 2025, this lavishly illustrated volume chronicles the journey of Germany’s most successful football club from its humble beginnings to its status as a global sporting powerhouse.

FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Bayern Munich fans outside the Olympiastadion, circa 1980. © IMAGO, Günther Schneider

Since its founding in 1900, FC Bayern Munich has grown to become synonymous with success. The club, built on a tireless winning mentality and unity encapsulated in its famous motto, Mia san Mia (“We are who we are”), has claimed countless domestic and international titles. With over 30 Bundesliga championships and multiple European triumphs, Bayern has firmly established itself as one of football’s elite institutions.

Eichler’s book captures this spirit of excellence through a wealth of photographs—both archival and contemporary—offering fans a unique look into Bayern’s historic moments. The book revisits landmark matches, including the unforgettable 1974 European Cup Final, which secured Bayern’s first continental title, and their thrilling Champions League victories in 2001, 2013, and 2020. These historic games, along with insights into the club’s greatest rivalries and challenges, form a compelling narrative.

FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Franz Beckenbauer, 1974 European Cup final. © IMAGO, Frinke.
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Thomas Müller. © IMAGO, DeFodi

No club’s history is complete without the legendary players who defined its success. FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years pays tribute to icons like Franz Beckenbauer, the club’s talismanic leader and visionary; Gerd Müller, whose goal-scoring prowess made him one of the most feared strikers in history; Sepp Maier, the formidable goalkeeper; and Philipp Lahm, the captain who led the club to domestic and international glory.

The book provides in-depth profiles of these and other footballing greats, shedding light on their contributions to Bayern’s enduring legacy. Through exclusive interviews and rare photographs, Eichler paints a vivid portrait of the individuals who shaped Bayern Munich into the club it is today.

FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Sepp Maier © picture-alliance, dpa
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Lothar Matthäus. © Pressefoto Baumann
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer and Bastian Schweinsteiger. © IMAGO, ActionPictures
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Oliver Kahn. © IMAGO, Uwe Kraft
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Defeat to Chelsea in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final © IMAGO, Ulmer-Cremer
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
© IMAGO, Sven Simon
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
© IMAGO, Sven Simon

Bayern Munich’s influence extends far beyond football. The book explores the club’s resilience through historical challenges, such as its post-World War II rebuilding efforts and the pivotal move to the Allianz Arena in 2005—the world’s first stadium with a fully colour-changing exterior. These milestones highlight Bayern’s commitment to innovation and growth, ensuring its place at the forefront of modern football.

Equally important is the club’s relationship with its devoted fanbase. With millions of supporters worldwide, Bayern Munich boasts one of the most passionate football communities. This book celebrates that connection, emphasising how Bayern’s culture and traditions continue to inspire generations of fans across the globe.

FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
England captain Harry Kane. © IMAGO, Ulrich Wagner
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Arjen Robben. © IMAGO, Revierfoto
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
© Amelie Niederbuchner
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
9. FC Bayern Munich p. 70 © Matthias Ziegler
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
Jupp Heynckes. © IMAGO, Camera4
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
© IMAGO, Fred Joch
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler
FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years | Christian Eichler. With its meticulous research, stunning visuals, and engaging storytelling, FC Bayern Munich: 125 Years is a must-have for football enthusiasts and historians alike. Whether you’re a lifelong Bayern fan or a lover of football culture and history, this book offers an unparalleled insight into one of football’s greatest institutions.

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