Supporting Bayern Munich means living in a constant mix of dominance, expectation, and — let’s be honest — outside noise. Success attracts admiration, but it also brings rivalries that go far beyond the pitch. And sometimes, certain fanbases just get under your skin for reasons that aren’t entirely logical.
In the Bundesliga, the obvious starting point is Borussia Dortmund. Their Yellow Wall is iconic, the atmosphere incredible, and the tradition undeniable. Yet the nonstop “underdog versus Bayern
Munich” narrative can feel exhausting. You respect the passion, but the moral-victory energy after narrow losses? That can grate.
Then there’s Schalke 04. Even during seasons when Schalke aren’t competing near the top, the anti-Bayern Munich sentiment never fades. Maybe it’s regional pride, maybe it’s history, but somehow the volume of Bayern Munich criticism always seems turned up to maximum.
A more modern irritation for many fans is RB Leipzig. The debates around club identity, ownership structure, and rapid rise create tension before a ball is even kicked. Matches feel charged in a different way—less traditional rivalry, more philosophical clash about what German football should be.
Across Europe, the list only grows. Encounters with Real Madrid tend to bring confidence bordering on inevitability from their supporters, especially in the Champions League. Given their history in the competition, it’s understandable—but that aura of destiny can be tough to stomach when you’re on the other side.
Similarly, clashes with FC Barcelona have long carried stylistic and emotional weight. Even after heavy Bayern Munich victories in recent years, the global size of Barcelona’s fanbase means the debates never truly end—about philosophy, identity, and who represents “true” football.
And in England, nights against Chelsea FC still stir memories that are hard to shake. Certain finals and dramatic ties linger in collective memory, shaping how supporters feel long after players and coaches have changed.
Of course, this is what makes football culture so compelling. Irrational dislikes often mirror the biggest moments, the most painful defeats, or the loudest online arguments. They’re less about logic and more about emotion—the same emotion that keeps us watching every week.
So here’s today’s question: Which fanbase do you have an irrational dislike for? Is it a domestic rival, a European giant, or a club whose supporters just seem to appear whenever Bayern slip?
No need for perfectly reasoned answers—football fandom has never really worked that way.
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
