A five-part documentary from ZDF explores the vibrant and tumultuous 1990s of FC Bayern Munich, dubbed ‘FC Hollywood.’ Premiering on January 17, it features interviews with key figures like Thomas Strunz, Lothar Matthäus, and Jürgen Klinsmann, revealing the intense rivalries and media dynamics of the era. The series highlights pivotal moments, including the dramatic Champions League final of 1999, showcasing how individual talents coalesced into a formidable team that laid the groundwork for Bayern’s global success.
The Rise of FC Hollywood: A Journey Through the 90s
The 1990s were defined by flamboyant personalities, sensational tabloid stories, and extreme sporting events, marking the era when FC Bayern Munich earned the nickname ‘FC Hollywood.’ A captivating five-part documentary from ZDF is set to illuminate this tumultuous period in the history of Germany’s premier football club. Beginning January 17 at 10:30 PM, viewers can revisit what is arguably the most thrilling chapter in Bayern’s legacy. Former Bayern player Thomas Strunz, 56, aptly describes the team as ’22 crazies.’
An Insider’s Perspective on a Legendary Era
This docuseries stands out as it features candid interviews with prominent figures from that time, offering an unprecedented look into the events that unfolded. The rivalry between Lothar Matthäus, 63, and Jürgen Klinsmann, 60, is particularly highlighted, as it at times threatened to fracture the team. Matthäus asserts, ‘I have clear information that there was a conspiracy against me,’ referring to his absence from the national team, while Klinsmann humorously disputes this claim, stating, ‘No, that’s not true.’
Other iconic personalities, including Mario Basler, 56, Stefan Effenberg, 56, and Mehmet Scholl, 54, share their vivid recollections of that chaotic era. Interviews with seasoned journalists such as Reinhold Beckmann, 68, and Marcel Reif, 75, enrich the narrative, alongside previously unseen archival footage that transports viewers back in time.
The series chronicles the evolution of a gifted yet unruly squad. Following a disappointing sixth-place finish in 1995, Bayern assembled an all-star roster, a team so talented that it could only defeat itself, according to several key players. What ensued was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride.
Manager Uli Hoeneß, 73, formed a controversial alliance with the media, granting them access to players in exchange for heightened attention. The aim was to draw new audiences, particularly young women and girls, to the stadiums that had begun to lose their luster. However, this arrangement had its drawbacks, as fan favorite Mehmet Scholl, often celebrated as the ‘sporting boy band,’ faced immense media scrutiny. ‘It all blew up in my face,’ he reflects today.
The documentary showcases pivotal moments in Bayern’s history, including Giovanni Trapattoni’s infamous ‘bottle empty’ press conference, Matthäus’ controversial diary that divided the locker room, and the heart-stopping Champions League final against Manchester United in 1999, which slipped away in the final moments. Despite—or perhaps because of—these absurdities, this era laid the groundwork for FC Bayern’s present-day global brand status. Each of the five 45-minute episodes is carefully structured to ensure viewers remain engaged throughout.
‘These 90s form the foundation of the fascination with FC Bayern,’ asserts Patricia Riekel, 75, former editor-in-chief of ‘Bunte,’ who maintained a close rapport with the Bayern players during that time. The series illustrates how a collection of individual talents evolved into a cohesive unit that set the stage for the club’s current achievements.
Markus Hörwick, 68, the former communications chief for Bayern, aptly summarizes the atmosphere: ‘Basler, Effenberg, Scholl, and Matthäus – that was just before the insane asylum.’ This eclectic mix of personalities makes the series a must-watch for any football aficionado. The episodes are now accessible in the ZDF media library, with the series airing on television on January 17 and 18.