1. FC Union Berlin

In the summer of 2019, 1. FC Union Berlin secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time via the play-offs. The images of the ‘Eisernen’s’ promotion celebrations will remain unforgettable.

The battle cry “Eisern Union!” is now internationally renowned, and 1. FC Union Berlin is – alongside the famous Hauptmann – arguably Köpenick’s most important figurehead. The descendants of the “Schlosserjungs” fulfilled their dream of promotion to the Bundesliga in their 10th year and were among the top four teams in the top flight during the 2022/2023 season. For the first time in the club’s history, the Eisernen thus qualified for the UEFA Champions League, having already celebrated successes on the international stage in the Conference League and Europa League in the two previous years. Union hosted Real Madrid, SSC Napoli and Sporting Braga in the premier class of football, in a sold-out Olympic Stadium bathed in brilliant red.

More than just football: fan culture and tradition

But football isn’t everything at Union. The club’s self-managed modernisation of the An der Alten Försterei stadium has brought it worldwide attention. Countless fan activities feature on the club’s calendar. The annual Christmas carol singing, for which 28,500 people make the pilgrimage to the Alte Försterei every year, is a highlight of the events calendar.

The World Cup Living Room in the summer of 2014 also had an impact far beyond the club’s borders, with around 860 sofas set up inside the stadium during the FIFA World Cup. Young and old alike watched the matches in Brazil from their sofas in their living rooms – as the Eisernen fans refer to the An der Alten Försterei stadium – and celebrated the German national team’s victory.

The women’s team of 1. FC Union Berlin

The women’s team of 1. FC Union Berlin has also become an important part of the club’s identity in recent years. With great dedication, team spirit and continuous development, they are carrying on the red-and-white football tradition and ensuring that women’s football is becoming increasingly important at Union. With their promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2024/2025 season, the Eisernen Ladies made the leap to Germany’s top flight for the first time in the club’s history.