From The Hague to Eindhoven: mother and daughter cheer on FC Bayern

FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if it takes them hundreds of kilometres through snow and cold. We want to get to know those who spare no effort or expense to see their beloved Bayern away from the Allianz Arena a little better: our away fans with their special stories, their love and their passion for FC Bayern

Michelle and Renate look slightly lost amidst the hustle and bustle of the fans. Both have Bayern scarves around their necks. All around them: PSV fans. There are still a good two hours to go until kick-off at Philips Stadion, the cool evening air at the back of the stands in Eindhoven is heavy with the smell of freshly grilled sausages and freshly tapped beer. Dutch party music is playing loudly from speakers somewhere. Fathers take their children by the hand while looking for the right entrance to the stands, Dutch supporters are singing their hearts out, a crowd has formed at the entrance where the team buses will soon be arriving.

"Mum, we have to go to this game"

"We came all the way here from The Hague," says Michelle. She got the chance to purchase tickets for the game on the internet - and she jumped at the chance: "I thought: Mum, we have to go to this game!"

Michelle took the day off from her job in a clothes shop, then they both drove the hour and a half from the coast to the south-west of Holland. "Of course, the point is that we can watch Bayern” says Michelle. She learned German at school, but not only there: "We've been going on holiday to Germany for as long as I can remember. I love the country, especially Bavaria."

The mountains, the crystal-clear lakes, the city of Munich, "but above all the people and the delicious food," says Michelle and smiles. "I'm in love with Bavaria!" Not only with the federal state, but also, since 2016, with Bayern Munich. But she wasn't born with this passion - her father wasn't interested in football at all.

With a ‘Mia san Mia’ tattoo on her arm

"I've been a fan of Manuel Neuer in particular since the 2014 World Cup. I looked to see which club he plays for - then I realised how many internationals play for Bayern. And then it was clear that this club was for me," she says. "I like the players, the mentality - and everything else that makes the club special. There's so much to it, especially the team spirit." That's why Michelle has also had ‘Mia san Mia’ tattooed on her arm. She prefers German football to Dutch football anyway: "My mum and I always cheer on Germany at international tournaments too."

But on this January evening in Eindhoven, it's Champions League football - a first for both mum and daughter. Michelle has never been to a European match before, Renate has never been to a football stadium at all. "I'm not excited," says the mum, "I'm more full of anticipation!"

2024 at the Allianz Arena, this time at Philips Stadium

Her daughter even travelled to the Allianz Arena in Munich once, in 2024 for the first home game of the season against Freiburg. She's also got her boyfriend hooked: "He's normally an Ajax fan, but FC Bayern are next in line." For Michelle and Renate, one thing is clear: "FC Bayern is the best club in the world!"

How Bayern’s game at PSV went: