Founded back in 1900, Bayern are by far the most successful club in Germany and one of only fourclubs to have won all four major European trophies.

In the early days they were known as Schwabinger Bayern because of the straw hats that the players used to wear.

Some of their most famous players over the years include the likes of Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Uli Hoeness, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Lothar Matthaus and the recently departed Michael Ballack. Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn still plies his trade there and seems as he will retire as a loyal Bayern servant.

Most of their league success has come since 1980 where they have amassed no less than sixteen league titles until 2006 winning five on the trot in the late eighties. However the club sprang to european fame claiming three straight European Championships.

There biggest disappointment came in the 1999 champions league final where they were caught napping by the Manchester United late show losing 2-1 after carrying a 1-0 lead into the dying moments of the match.

In 2005 they moved from the Olympic Stadium which they have called home for many years to the new 66,000 seat Allianz Arena which was home to the opening game of the 2006 World Cup finals.