In a heartwarming turn of events for the world of football, Uli Hoeneß, the honorary president of FC Bayern Munich, has acquired shares in the FC St. Pauli cooperative, marking a significant moment in the relationship between the two clubs. This announcement came just before the highly anticipated Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli and FC Bayern Munich, set to take place on March 29, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Hoeneß, who has a long-standing connection with St. Pauli, made this move wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Jetzt Genoss*in werden" (Become a member now) during a visit from St. Pauli president Oke Göttlich in Munich. The gesture was met with appreciation, as Göttlich expressed gratitude for Hoeneß's continued support of the club, noting that despite the differences between the two clubs, their relationship is characterized by mutual respect.
This latest development comes more than two decades after Hoeneß played a crucial role in what is now referred to as the "rescue game" in 2003. At that time, FC St. Pauli was facing severe financial difficulties, and Bayern Munich stepped in to help by waiving all proceeds from the sold-out match held at Millerntor Stadium. The event raised approximately 200,000 euros for St. Pauli, helping to secure the club's future and stave off impending relegation.
Fast forward to 2025, and FC St. Pauli has established itself in the Bundesliga with a solid financial footing, largely thanks to the formation of a cooperative designed to take over the majority of Millerntor Stadium. As of March 28, 2025, over 19,000 individuals have joined the cooperative, which has collectively raised more than 23.5 million euros in share acquisitions.
The cooperative project is seen as a vital step towards ensuring the club's future and enhancing community involvement. The board of FCSP eG 2024 plans to process all share orders received by the end of March and will present a balance sheet to cooperative members in early May, showcasing the progress and financial health of the initiative.
Göttlich highlighted the importance of this cooperative model, stating, "The FC St. Pauli as a registered association now has a strong sister organization in the registered cooperative that promotes and supports the club while opening up options for the future and further projects." This sentiment resonates with many fans and members who see the cooperative as a way to foster deeper connections within the community.
As the two clubs prepare to face off in the Bundesliga, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. St. Pauli fans are likely to greet Hoeneß with a mix of admiration for his past support and a competitive spirit as their team takes on Bayern Munich, the record champions of German football.
Hoeneß's involvement in the cooperative is not just a financial gesture; it symbolizes a deeper bond between the clubs that transcends rivalry. The friendship between the ultra groups of both teams further emphasizes the idea that, despite their differences, there are significant commonalities to celebrate. As Göttlich noted, "It is crucial to emphasize commonalities rather than differences."
With the deadline for acquiring shares in the cooperative approaching on March 31, 2025, many fans are eager to join and contribute to the club's future. The initiative has sparked considerable interest, and the excitement surrounding the cooperative reflects a broader trend in football toward community engagement and ownership.
As FC St. Pauli continues to build on its rich history and community ties, the support from figures like Hoeneß serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in sports. The upcoming match against Bayern Munich will not only be a test of skill on the pitch but also a celebration of the enduring connections within the football community.
In conclusion, Uli Hoeneß's acquisition of shares in the FC St. Pauli cooperative exemplifies a remarkable evolution in the relationship between two iconic football clubs. From a rescue mission in 2003 to a partnership in 2025, this story highlights the importance of solidarity and support in the world of sports. As fans look forward to the match, they are also reminded of the shared values that unite them, transcending the boundaries of competition.
