FC Cologne, known as 1. FC Köln, is one of Germany's most popular clubs. Founded in 1948, the Rhineland club regularly alternates between the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. The Billy Goats, the nickname given to Cologne supporters, fill the 50,000-capacity RheinEnergieSTADION for every home match. FC Cologne experienced their golden age in the 1960s and 1970s, winning the German championship three times. The stadium atmosphere is among the most impressive in German football, with passionate fans creating a unique spectacle at every encounter.
FAQ
1. FC Köln plays home matches at the RheinEnergieSTADION, a modern 50,000-capacity venue located in the heart of Cologne. The stadium provides an intimate and intimidating atmosphere that makes it one of German football's most challenging venues for visiting teams.
Founded in 1948, FC Cologne experienced their peak in the 1960s-70s with three German championship titles (1962, 1964, 1978) and a DFB-Pokal victory in 1968. This golden era established Cologne as one of German football's great clubs with a rich tradition.
The club has won three German championships, four DFB-Pokal cups, and reached the UEFA Cup final in 1986. These achievements represent the pinnacle of the club's success and established their reputation as a significant force in German football history.
The nickname refers to Billy the goat, the club's official mascot since 1950, who has become an emblematic symbol of Cologne's identity. The goat represents the club's stubborn fighting spirit and has become one of football's most recognizable mascots worldwide.
Wolfgang Overath, Toni Schumacher, Pierre Littbarski, and Lukas Podolski rank among the club's greatest icons. These players achieved remarkable success wearing the red and white and helped establish Cologne's reputation as a club that produces exceptional talent.
The stadium is renowned for its exceptional atmosphere, with supporters among the most passionate and loudest in the Bundesliga. The fans create an intimidating wall of sound that provides significant home advantage and makes every match a memorable experience.
The club displays red and white, traditional colors of the city of Cologne, on their jerseys since the club's creation. These colors have become synonymous with the club's identity and are proudly worn by thousands of supporters at every match.
The Rhine derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach is the most anticipated match, along with encounters against Bayer Leverkusen and Fortuna Düsseldorf. These regional rivalries generate enormous passion and represent some of German football's most intense fixtures.
Yes, Cologne has participated in several European competitions, notably reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1986 against Real Madrid. These European adventures represent important chapters in the club's history and demonstrate their ability to compete at the continental level.
Find all results, standings, and analysis of 1. FC Köln in real-time on Football Audit. Our platform provides comprehensive coverage of Cologne's matches with detailed statistics, tactical analysis, and squad information for complete coverage of the Billy Goats.
