Why one Hong Kong couple have been loyal to FC Bayern for 20 years

FC Bayern fans travel from all over the world to support their team at away matches – even if they have to travel hundreds of kilometres on the Autobahn or by rail, across oceans and deserts. 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.

Before the Audi Football Summit at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, where FC Bayern meet Aston Villa on Friday, a very special evening begins for Alice and Simon. The young couple, born and raised in Hong Kong, are fulfilling a dream that began over 20 years ago with a German goalkeeper and a World Cup final.

“I’ve been a Bayern fan over over 20 years,” explains Simon as fans in red stream into the stadium around him. “It all started with the 2002 World Cup. I fell in love with the goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn, in the final against Brazil. He was so passionate and produced an incredible performance.” Since that tournament he’s been hooked on German football. First the World Cup, then the Bundesliga – and it soon became clear: Bayern were the team for him.

From Kahn to Schweinsteiger and Lahm

Over the years, Simon has closely followed the great Bayern generations. “They just have great players – and tremendous teamwork. Not just one hero like Messi, but a whole team.” When he talks about his favourite players, he reels off names that are firmly entrenched in the club history: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller. “That was a fantastic era,” he says – and you notice how many memories are tied to it.

Simon went to Germany many years ago, visited the Allianz Arena and did a stadium tour. “Obviously I liked it in Munich,” he states. “The people are friendly and very welcoming. Some of them drink a lot,” he laughs. “And the tour of the stadium was brilliant. Everything was very well organised. The eperience was simply impressive.”

World Cup trip to Russia – and now finally Bayern live

In 2018, Simon travelled to the World Cup in Russia and was there for one of Germany’s most dramatic matches of recent times: the last-minute win against Sweden, when Toni Kroos rescued the DFB-Elf in stoppage time. “I was there in the stadium,” he says proudly. “That was an unbelievable experience.”

But one thing has been missing all these years: seeing FC Bayern live. The German champions have visited Hong Kong once before – in the days of striker Luca Toni – but Simon was still too young to go the stadium by himself. “It’s been a long wait,” he acknowledges. “Now, after over 20 years, we’re finally here and seeing Bayern live. For the fans it’s a dream to witness this match.” Alice adds with a laugh next to him: “This is the biggest thing for him, he’s been talking about nothing else for days.”

Bayern together, medicine together

Because today is not just Simon’s special Bayern evening – Alice is accompanying him. Both work in the medical field – she as a nurse, he as a radiographer in Hong Kong. Her connection to Bayern came from Simon: “I became a Bayern fan through him.”

The couple often watch the games together, yet Alice views football from a different perspective. “Sometimes I watch English football, but I find German football is more concentrated on technique – on passing, on sequences, on the whole setup,” she describes. “It's just different to English football but I like it a lot.”

Football culture: Full stadiums and great passion

When Simon talks about the Bundesliga, he praises the atmosphere most of all. “Every time I watch the Bundesliga, the stadiums are full. Even at smaller clubs.” This close connection between club and fans fascinates him – whether it’s in Germany or in Hong Kong. “I think the Germans and the Chinese are both very passionate when it comes to their club,” he says. “They’re just crazily enthusiastic.”

The fact that FC Bayern have come to Hong Kong on the Audi Summer Tour 2026 and are contesting the Audi Football Summit against Aston Villa at the Kai Tak Stadium is more than just a friendly for Alice and Simon. It’s a moment that crowns their long history as fans with a live experience – in the heart of their home city.

“Bayern is my favourite club in the whole world,” says Simon at the end. And today, when the match kicks off at the Kai Tak Stadium, this Hong Kong couple will be right in the middle of it – carried by 20 years of passion for FC Bayern.