Bayern reach €1b in turnover, pay tribute to Beckenbauer

Bayern Munich have cracked the €1 billion mark in turnover for the first time, president Herbert Hainer announced on Sunday as the club also paid tribute to their late icon Franz Beckenbauer, reported dpa.

Hainer said at the general assembly that the sports club led by its football and basketball teams that the figure was €1.017 billion, up from €690 million in 2022 and €882 million last year.

"Now we are not only reaching another record - but a dimension that even FC Bayern has never reached before," Hainer said.

Hainer also said that Bayern had 382,000 members, up from 360,000 in summer, and he expressed hope that 400,000 will be reached for next year's 125th club anniversary.

Impressive figures

Bayern's football division, Bayern Munich AG, had a record turnover of €951.5 million and a pre-tax surplus rise by 15% to €62.7 million.

FC Bayern has always stood for economic solidity paired with maximum success - on and off the pitch. This has always characterised us," CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said.

"This outstanding annual result shows that we are still one of the absolute top clubs in Europe in economic terms."

Beckenbauer tribute

Bayern's rise to Germany's most successful and wealthiest football club started in the late 1960s and 1970s started during the era of Beckenbauer who died on January 7 at age 78.

Hainer said that Bayern would retire the number 5 shirt Beckenbauer used to wear, amid thunderous applause and in the presence of widow Heidi Beckenbauer and son Joel.

"The number 5 will be reserved for a unique legacy. Because our club and its history are simply unthinkable without Franz," Hainer said.

"This year, FC Bayern has lost the greatest personality in its history.

"Dear Franz, you made the club what it is today: a synonym for the greatest possible success, unique style - and deep humanity. As a player, coach, president and companion. You have given FC Bayern the radiance that continues to have an impact today.

Beckenbauer was also Bayern coach briefly in the 1990s and club president 1994-2009. He won the World Cup as a player in 1974 and as a coach in 1990, and was chief organizer of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Musiala and company new faces of the club

Looking at the current team, Hainer said that the likes of Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich follow a proud tradition which includes Beckenbauer, now honorary president Uli Hoeness and Bastian Schweinsteiger by coming through their academy in one way or another.

He named them key players due to set "guard rails for the next generations, on and off the pitch" as Bayern are doing their best to keep them at the club.

Big 2025 goals

Bayern had a rare season without silverware last season, and Hainer expressed hope that this will change, with Bayern top of the Bundesliga and on course in the Champions League.

"In 2025, the motto is: full concentration on big goals! We all know that the Champions League final is coming up in Munich at the end of the season," he said.

Hainer then said on a lighter note towards coach Vincent Kompany: "Uli Hoeness has already promised the championship... I'm sure you know: The word applies at FC Bayern ... No pressure - but if the honorary president promises something ... it should happen."