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Bayern: Creating a Global Superclub
Bayern Munich is a team of extremes. They are the most passionately supported club in Germany and the most hated. There is no doubt that they are the most successful. Winners of twenty-four domestic titles since the late-1960s, they have stood at the pinnacle of European football for almost their entire existence.
German football is in the spotlight like never before and Bayern are at the forefront. While Germany have become World Champions, Bayern have been to the Champion’s League final for three of the last six years, collecting their fifth winners medal along the way and revolutionising the way they play. And they’ve done it all without billionaire tycoon owners, record transfer deals, eye-watering debts or charging supporters an arm and a leg for tickets.
Through interviews with the key protagonists, Uli Hesse tells the story of this unique club. From early run-ins with the Nazis to being dubbed FC Hollywood for their egocentric stars in the 1990s up to the sensational undercover appointment of the best coach in the world, Pep Guardiola, Hesse opens the doors on Bavaria’s superpower and takes you inside Bayern Munich.
German football is in the spotlight like never before and Bayern are at the forefront. While Germany have become World Champions, Bayern have been to the Champion’s League final for three of the last six years, collecting their fifth winners medal along the way and revolutionising the way they play. And they’ve done it all without billionaire tycoon owners, record transfer deals, eye-watering debts or charging supporters an arm and a leg for tickets.
Through interviews with the key protagonists, Uli Hesse tells the story of this unique club. From early run-ins with the Nazis to being dubbed FC Hollywood for their egocentric stars in the 1990s up to the sensational undercover appointment of the best coach in the world, Pep Guardiola, Hesse opens the doors on Bavaria’s superpower and takes you inside Bayern Munich.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 17, 2025
Even though not a big Bayern fan this was an engaging recount of their background.
Had stopped reading football journalism for over a decade and this reminded of why used to enjoy it. Recounts on the many passionate individuals of the sport and club. How they over time developed and changed its ethos, as well as the many historic matches of the club.
My favourite chapter would have to be the FC Hollywood period due to the sheer chaos going on during that time. Had an impression of German football being organised and controlled, was quite interesting to see this other side. Loved many of the catchy sound bites which happens just in sport.
Overall, a well written and entertaining football read.
Had stopped reading football journalism for over a decade and this reminded of why used to enjoy it. Recounts on the many passionate individuals of the sport and club. How they over time developed and changed its ethos, as well as the many historic matches of the club.
My favourite chapter would have to be the FC Hollywood period due to the sheer chaos going on during that time. Had an impression of German football being organised and controlled, was quite interesting to see this other side. Loved many of the catchy sound bites which happens just in sport.
Overall, a well written and entertaining football read.
July 29, 2022
3.5/5
October 28, 2021
A decent football history book. I loved how Uli started from the genesis of the superclub. Like most Cinderella story, every dream team start from scratch, reached its glory then turned ashes again.
Set in a very wide timeline - almost 100 years from its creation - Uli divided the timeline nicely. How its finally climed the peak with Der Kaizer and Der Bomber, then went into void in mid 80-90s.
Final section of the book described Uli Hoeness a lot. It enlighten me that football is not only player - manager - and supporter. :)
Set in a very wide timeline - almost 100 years from its creation - Uli divided the timeline nicely. How its finally climed the peak with Der Kaizer and Der Bomber, then went into void in mid 80-90s.
Final section of the book described Uli Hoeness a lot. It enlighten me that football is not only player - manager - and supporter. :)
December 17, 2020
A great overview of the story of one of the biggest clubs in football history, from Bayern's creation until the amazing treble winning of 2013.
Uli Hesse surprised me in the best way, his writing is fun and light hearted while presenting us a telling of Bayerns greatest (and worst) achievements.
Will definitely be reading the one he wrote about Dortmund and hopefully Tor! (If I am able to get my hands on it!)
Uli Hesse surprised me in the best way, his writing is fun and light hearted while presenting us a telling of Bayerns greatest (and worst) achievements.
Will definitely be reading the one he wrote about Dortmund and hopefully Tor! (If I am able to get my hands on it!)
August 15, 2017
Amazing!
August 27, 2018
When I first started reading sports books that weren’t just focused on Irish or British stories, Tor!: The Story of German Football was one of the first that opened my eyes to the wider world of sports writing. A detailed and engrossing history of German football, it’s definitely one for the sports history nerd rather than the casual premier league fan (needless to say I loved it).
Surprisingly, Uli Hesse didn’t publish his next book on German football for 13 more years. Bayern: Creating a Global Superclub tells the history of Bayern Munich, the undisputed biggest club in Germany and one of the true global superclubs that competes for the Champions League (almost) every season.
The club’s origin story is interesting and well-told. Disgruntled players broke away from the local gymnastics club to ensure football got the attention they felt it deserved. Of most interest is the clubs early openness to foreigners and its Jewish connections which saw it suffer during Hitler’s reign. This could have been covered in more detail – especially as it’s not a short book. Hesse alludes to mixed views on whether Bayern were victims or not and I would definitely like to read more about that period in the clubs history.
Its remarkable to think that Bayern weren’t invited into the inaugural Bundesliga in 1963 but within 10 years had won it 3 times and be about embark on an incredible run of 3 successive European Cups.
Throughout the book, Hesse tracks the key figures who helped turn the club from a normal Bavarian team into a global institution – players, coaches and administrators, and the likes of Uli Hoeness and Franz Beckenbauer who played multiple roles with such impact.
One fact that jumps out from the book is the relatively small impact that individual managers/coaches have had on Bayern’s historical development and achievements than players and administrators have had. For instance, no-one would consider 2 time European Cup winner Dettmar Cramer in the same category as Brian Clough, Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson or Arrigo Sacchi – all fellow 2 time European Cup winners who had much greater personal influence and impact on the clubs that they managed.
Hesse approaches the book with the stated aim of being dispassionate about a club that German football fans either love or hate. He definitely achieves this, and a lot more. Bayern is meticulously researched and packed full of detail. It’s a really interesting and enjoyable read. Like Tor! however it may too full of detail for many readers (and incomprehensibly detailed for those without any past knowledge of Bayern). Some readers may find there is too much emphasis on match report style recounts of long forgotten matches and others may wish there was more coverage of the recent era. However, I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes a bit of football history.
Hesse’s latest book, Building the Yellow Wall: The Incredible Rise and Cult Appeal of Borussia Dortmund was just published (in English at least) this week and is one I’ll be picking up.
You can read all of my sports book reviews at https://allsportsbooks.reviews. Or see when i post a new one by following me on Twitter at @SprtBookReviews
Surprisingly, Uli Hesse didn’t publish his next book on German football for 13 more years. Bayern: Creating a Global Superclub tells the history of Bayern Munich, the undisputed biggest club in Germany and one of the true global superclubs that competes for the Champions League (almost) every season.
The club’s origin story is interesting and well-told. Disgruntled players broke away from the local gymnastics club to ensure football got the attention they felt it deserved. Of most interest is the clubs early openness to foreigners and its Jewish connections which saw it suffer during Hitler’s reign. This could have been covered in more detail – especially as it’s not a short book. Hesse alludes to mixed views on whether Bayern were victims or not and I would definitely like to read more about that period in the clubs history.
Its remarkable to think that Bayern weren’t invited into the inaugural Bundesliga in 1963 but within 10 years had won it 3 times and be about embark on an incredible run of 3 successive European Cups.
Throughout the book, Hesse tracks the key figures who helped turn the club from a normal Bavarian team into a global institution – players, coaches and administrators, and the likes of Uli Hoeness and Franz Beckenbauer who played multiple roles with such impact.
One fact that jumps out from the book is the relatively small impact that individual managers/coaches have had on Bayern’s historical development and achievements than players and administrators have had. For instance, no-one would consider 2 time European Cup winner Dettmar Cramer in the same category as Brian Clough, Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson or Arrigo Sacchi – all fellow 2 time European Cup winners who had much greater personal influence and impact on the clubs that they managed.
Hesse approaches the book with the stated aim of being dispassionate about a club that German football fans either love or hate. He definitely achieves this, and a lot more. Bayern is meticulously researched and packed full of detail. It’s a really interesting and enjoyable read. Like Tor! however it may too full of detail for many readers (and incomprehensibly detailed for those without any past knowledge of Bayern). Some readers may find there is too much emphasis on match report style recounts of long forgotten matches and others may wish there was more coverage of the recent era. However, I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes a bit of football history.
Hesse’s latest book, Building the Yellow Wall: The Incredible Rise and Cult Appeal of Borussia Dortmund was just published (in English at least) this week and is one I’ll be picking up.
You can read all of my sports book reviews at https://allsportsbooks.reviews. Or see when i post a new one by following me on Twitter at @SprtBookReviews
November 7, 2021
Bayern Munich, in my mind, is the most illustrious team in German’s football scene, with countless domestic league titles in its belt, and unfortunate habit of poaching talented players from other domestic rivals. However, it is beyond doubt they have legitimate claim to greatness, and this book opens my mind with so much information on Bayern’s long history. Beginning with its humble beginning, rivalry with its immediate neighbor, and fellow tenant, 1860 Munich, which it soon eclipsed, Bayern made its name around Germany, making itself a household name as Germanic powerhouse during the time of the likes of Beckenbauer, Meier, Breitner, and Hoeness, then as star-filled team, gained the unflattering nickname of FC Hollywood, because the stars came with their egos, and when they clashed, woe betide the manager who could not navigate around them. The book ends with Guardiola’s departure after turning the perception of German footballer, from the tough, relentless defender like Matthaus to flexible, all-round player like Lahm, or Götze.
Overall, I enjoy reading this book. Like many German football team, with its emphasis of public ownership, Bayern certainly has its own unique charm. Their prestige and accomplishments undoubtedly make them arrogant sometimes, but however it came to my attention the names of other numerous players that contributed, however small to Bayern’s greatness, and Bayern did not forget them. The story of these players that warmed my heart the most, and become the main factor for me giving this book five stars. A recommended reading, even for everyone who is not a fan of Bayern (myself included). Mia san mia!
Overall, I enjoy reading this book. Like many German football team, with its emphasis of public ownership, Bayern certainly has its own unique charm. Their prestige and accomplishments undoubtedly make them arrogant sometimes, but however it came to my attention the names of other numerous players that contributed, however small to Bayern’s greatness, and Bayern did not forget them. The story of these players that warmed my heart the most, and become the main factor for me giving this book five stars. A recommended reading, even for everyone who is not a fan of Bayern (myself included). Mia san mia!
April 19, 2018
Uli Hesse es un maestro. El libro es tan adictivo como Tor! y para quienes no tenemos prejuicios contra el club, es un disfrute absoluto. Constantes consultas para ver goles y jugadas en YouTube, un ritmo dinámico y palabras de los protagonistas. Hesse sabe contar historias y emocionar en el camino. No parece haber anécdota sin contar, ni de las grandes ni de las pequeñas. Estamos ahí, empatizando con gente que no conocimos o solo vimos por televisión sin entender su idioma o cultura. Seguí escribiendo Uli!! ahí estaremos los futboleros para leerte y emocionarnos.
September 14, 2021
I'm rooting for Bayern ever since I was eight years old. One of the most traumatic memories of my childhood was that damned evening of 1999. I thought I knew much about the club and its history, but this book proved me wrong. Especially in regard to the beginnings and the first period of international glory of Die Roten, one can find here lots of interesting anecdotes and stories. Modern days are covered in less detail but it's understandable given the limitations imposed by the book's length.
August 8, 2017
Fantastic history of Bayern Munich. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Entertaining and engaging style.
June 19, 2019
Interesting book about one of the best football club in the world. History of Bayern Munich is magnificient, but also help us to understand influence tradition on this club.
January 23, 2020
Engaging
The telling of the stories is on-point and always tempting to be continued. Sequels are expected. Uli Hesse rules, again.
The telling of the stories is on-point and always tempting to be continued. Sequels are expected. Uli Hesse rules, again.
July 6, 2021
A wonderful book. Every Bayern fan should read it. It gives an overview of the team’s history in a poetic yet honest way. The style is easy to read and understand. The story just flows.
October 14, 2022
Nice casual reading for football fans and quite a ride i must say with regards to the behind closed doors drama going on at the club, particularly when they were doing well in Europe in the 70s.
February 5, 2023
An awesome story of how bayern munich became the biggest club in Germany. Recommended but only for bayern maniacs ;)
September 22, 2024
Superb
Realy interesting. Made me look at Bayern in a different way, not just a giant super club. The parts regarding WWII superbly interesting.
Realy interesting. Made me look at Bayern in a different way, not just a giant super club. The parts regarding WWII superbly interesting.
December 30, 2024
History of FC Bayern and how they become global superclub.
March 3, 2017
A great read, written by the best writer on German football.
March 19, 2021
Uli, along with Rafa Honigstein, are my two go-to authors for anything German soccer or Bundesliga-related. Uli knows the Bundesliga, how to write about it without getting too wonky, and is a stylist even though English is his second language. You will laugh out loud at his observational humor.
Ultimately this was a great read. It profiles the very high-level and major events, themes, and personalities surrounding Bayern and the Bundesliga from its founding until 2014 or so. Clearly there can be an updated chapter added every ten years or so (if the publisher allows).
If I could have my wish, I would have Uli go more in-depth ... but I suppose I will have to tackle that book in German!
Ultimately this was a great read. It profiles the very high-level and major events, themes, and personalities surrounding Bayern and the Bundesliga from its founding until 2014 or so. Clearly there can be an updated chapter added every ten years or so (if the publisher allows).
If I could have my wish, I would have Uli go more in-depth ... but I suppose I will have to tackle that book in German!
October 1, 2016
A fascinating book by one of the great writers of German football. Hesse delves into the mystique of Bayern, what makes them what they are, 'Mia San Mia' and all that. He discusses key moments the club's history, players, matches. Even though it's told in a (mostly) chronological fashion, he doesn't get stuck in eras, in fact before you know it he's through another five years (and countless trophies, this being Bayern). This isn't a season-by-season account of Bayern's dominance, but simply an overview of what makes them Bayern.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews