Categories
FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern home jersey 11-13

FC Bayern Munich 2011/2013 Home Jersey Review

(With player #31, Schweinsteiger customization.)

 

Bayern Munich, as it stands, have an impressive 12 point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table in Germany. In 20 matches, they have obtained 51 points from 60 possible, and that’s just because of a single loss and three draws. If that was not impressive on its own, their goal difference is an astonishing +44, that’s 51 goals scored, and just 7 conceded! Why does this all matter? Because Bayern Munich are veteran German legends, and their feisty lunge to retrieve what they believe is rightfully theirs, the Bundesliga title, needs to be supported by the look of a champion on the field. Bayern Munich’s 11/13 Home Jersey does just that, bringing a simplistic yet intimidating look that keeps the roar of Die Roten ringing throughout the competitive premier football league of Germany.

 

With an astounding league run, a top-notch squad, and the incredible incoming manager of Josep Guardiola just around the corner, the only thing Munich fans need to know is to keep their feet on the ground so that they don’t take off in heavenly bliss. It’s going to be hard to deny the title to FC Bayern Munich this year.

 

As I review their home jersey, as seen in the 11/12 season and now in the current 12/13 season, I’ll be looking at some deeper perspectives than ever before, appreciating and detailing the custom value of a jersey such as this, printed with “31 SCHWEINSTEIGER”, the impeccable German midfield maestro as seen on the field for Munich and the German national team.

 

FC Bayern home jerseyFC Bayern name and number kit

 

The Look

 

I’ve always been a part-fan of Munich to put it one way. I favor other clubs but I can and have appreciated the raw strength and machine-like consistency and performances of the wondrous Germany club. But in all honesty, I’ve never been a big fan of their kits. I find that their most recent kits have had way too much white and have given too much of a carnival-like feel, but this is just a matter of taste and does not likely convey the majority opinion. With this new home-kit, my taste wins.

 

FC Bayern fabric patternFC Bayern 3 stripes sleevesFC Bayern collar

 

The strong red color that is now the basis of the entire jersey is powerful. Gone are the large white stripes, be they vertical or horizontal. Adidas and Munich have brought a new look to the table that is simple and clean, yet manages to capture the ferocity of Munich with its small touches and elegancy. The cool red encompasses the entire shirt, but it is greatly enhanced by the decision to use gold as the trim and secondary color. The signature Adidas stripes down the shoulders: Gold. The thin ring at the end of the sleeves and the lines about the neck area and the lower-sides of the jersey: Gold. The personalization name, number, and club title on the back: Gold. I feel that the selection to use gold, and in particular, a shade that perfectly matches the four stars above Munich’s classy emblem, makes this a really nice jersey that looks very nice and regal. It’s sporty, both in its nature and use, but the design has its chin up in the cleanliness and simplicity. The glossy zigzag design on the front of the jersey, easily seen in certain light, adds a nice detail to the shirt that is subtle and suppressed.

 

The Deutsche Telekom AG sponsorship goes well with the new jersey, their signature “T” logo is not intrusive at all and it makes for a well-cut presence on the front of the shirt.

 

FC Bayern sponsor logoadidas logoFC Bayern club logo

 

On the back of the inside-neck area, the motto has been included: “Mia san Mia”, Bavarian text for “We are who we are”, a brief and proud expression that holds the clubs players, fans, and origins in high regard. It complements the comment opposite of it, on the back of the shirt at the neck. In bold text it reads, “REKORDMEISTER”! Shouting out the undeniable fact that Bayern Munich are a highly titled, record breaking team, the “Record Holding Champions”. It is a shirt with an exceptional touch of high-standing, but if not at the top, where else could you place the 22 time national title champions?

 

FC Bayern collar Mia San MiaFC Bayern sleeve Bundesliga badgeFC Bayern collar

 

My finishing comments on the look are that it just complements itself so well. The red color accented with gold is just such a nice look, and the choice to leave out obtrusive white segments and an over athletic design have paved the way for one of Munich’s nicest shirts in years. I’m a big fan of the look and I’m happy with their changes and the direction.

 

The Fit

 

Munich’s new shirt is a real piece of production excellence. I have many jerseys and I’ve been able to appreciate a broad diversity of fits, feels, and fabrics. I rate FC Bayern Munich’s 11/13 Home jersey as one of the best quality shirts.

 

FC Bayern adidas hologramFC Bayern clima cool polyesterFC Bayern size

 

The overall product, as manufactured by Adidas, is a work of art. The Adidas stripes are silky smooth and the club’s crest has a covering fabric on the inside of the shirt to avoid discomfort to the wearer from the embroidery. The quality is top-of-the-line.

 

The jersey fits very well. I always get my jerseys in USA Size “L” (Large), though I actually may fit medium better. I prefer a slightly looser feel of a jersey and it works well in all seasons for me. As is the case with pretty much all Adidas jerseys, I have no complaints with the fit and size.

 

I always approach the fabric of jerseys with a “is it thin or thick?” test and I consider this jersey to be a comfortable, mid-level material. Some jerseys can be great but the thickness creates too much heat or is abrasive and uncomfortable for movement, but Bayern Munich’s 11/13 home jersey does not suffer these issues. I’ve enjoyed this jersey in many conditions and never found it to be a hindrance to my task at hand.

 

The Customization

 

Once again, the generosity of MMSports means I have a great chance to review the added customization to a jersey, in this case, we can take a look at the printing of Germany’s one and only Bastian Schweinsteiger, number 31 midfielder for Bayern Munich, and number 7 for the German national team.

 

FC Bayern name and number

 

The number 31 is written in gold text, matching the accent of the jersey itself. The numbers are tall and thin; their bottom area containing the Bayern Munich crest in the color of the jersey behind it, as is the standard with most clubs and their customized fonts and decoration.

 

Beneath the number, the last name of the player, in this case, “SCHWEINSTEIGER”, is written in a slightly compressed text. I’m always iffy with longer names on jerseys but having sported “IBRAHIMOVIC”, “SERGIO RAMOS”, and now, “SCHWEINSTEIGER”, I can say that the text is perfectly sealed to the shirt and will in no way be a noticeable bother.

 

FC Bayern fontFC Bayern numbers logoFC Bayern club logo in numbers

 

Lastly, above the number, the title of the club, “BAYERN MUNCHEN”, is written in a smaller text than the name. I like the Club > Number > Player look on the back of the shirt.

 

Deeper Look on Customization and Personalization

 

Here’s a great opportunity for me to capitalize on the value and scale of a custom, personal jersey compared to an “off-the-rack” one.

 

If you like association football, you are most likely a fan of some particular club.

If you like a club, you are most likely a fan of a particular player.

If you like a player, you may be a fan of their national team and almost guaranteed, a fan of your own.

 

The way that tastes, preferences, and favoritism link together tend to go on and on, like a vine. That means that there are quite a few things that you like and directions that they go in.

 

For example: I’m Spanish, I like football, I like La Liga, I like Real Madrid, and I like Iker Casillas.

In some way or another, each of those things are chained, and I have a liking to each and every subject on the way. Here’s another great example, but this time, in reverse.

 

I like Miroslav Klose, I like Lazio, I like Serie A, I like football, and I like Europe.

Now, these aren’t representative of my favorite things, but they are representative of what I like, and what I would be willing to display when I go out to any destination. Maybe when I go out shopping, I’ve got my 2010 World Cup jersey of Miroslav Klose for the German national team on. It’s got a team I like with “my” player and it’s just “my” size. I can sport it when I go out and know that I’m not wearing a particular brand or a certain new fashion style; I’ve got my own shirt, my own style, my own look.

 

The true value in having a custom jersey is knowing that it’s “yours”. Everyone has their own tastes, preferences, and opinions, and a custom jersey lets you tell the world your side of things. An authentic jersey, even more so. To be able to watch your favorite club in official competitions in your own jersey or to be able to out with a custom shirt is where the value truly lies. Back in high school, I used to go in with jerseys all the time. I’m a big football fan, and to be able show my dedication and joy for the sport by wearing a jersey of one of my favorite clubs or national sides, I had a way to express myself in my own way. It was when I purchased a customized jersey that I realized the real strength of that expression.

 

FC Bayern name and number kit

 

Wear it loud and proud; getting a personalized shirt with your favorite player, number, or maybe your own choice of name and number, is a great way to make your own look while keeping to the things you like best.

 

The Conclusion

 

Bayern Munich’s 11/13 home kit is a great piece of eye candy. It’s got a powerful red base with fitting gold accents, it’s got a sense of nobility and flair about it that speaks volumes about the strength and history of the Bavarian football club. The simpler look than those of the past has created an incredible jersey that doesn’t need to be foolishly complex to satisfy the need for a modern design. It has been, and will continue to be worn by an overwhelmingly powerful force on the football field, at least until the end of this incredible run that FC Bayern Munich are making for the Bundesliga title. The jersey is of the utmost quality, accurate to size, and comfortable to wear. The player customization is clean and bold; the printing is very good.

 

FC Bayern home jersey front

 

My final say on FC Bayern Munich’s home jersey? Well, if you are a fan of Die Roten, you should get it right now. This is the best jersey Munich has had in years; the design, the quality, and the fit are all what define the legacy of Adidas. The simplistic approach to creating Munich’s home jersey has paid off with a beautiful jersey that will look good on the field, good in the store, and good on you!

 


Categories
FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern ambassador talks

The FC Bayern ambassador speaks out in the Green Room

 

 Q&A with MM Sports’ FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden.

 

 -Why do you support your current favorite club ?

I first came to love football while watching the World Cup. I was impressed with the Germans, and really started supporting Bayern because I recognized so many great players from Die Nationalelf.

 

-Which piece of advice would you offer your club if you were present at a board meeting?

Invest in better central defenders! When everyone is fit, each part of the Bayern squad could be considered World Class, with the exception of the central defense. Badstuber is a great passer, but often falters in defense. Boateng is athletic and strong, but needs to mature. If Bayern want to consistently compete in the Champion’s league, they need an experienced top-quality centre half to shore things up at the back. 

 

-What is the low point of the club while you have followed it?

Inter knocking Bayern out of the 2011 Champion’s League…I don’t think I can ever forgive Goran Pandev 😉

 

-What is the high point ?

I’ll hold off on this one until Bayern win the CL at the Allianz this year 🙂

 

-Which is/are your favorite jersey(s) from your club?

The 2007 Home kits were great, but my favorite has to be Bayern’s black Euro away kits this year- simple and intimidating. 

 

-When you were a kid which player would you like to become ? or who was your favorite player ?

Miro Klose – quite possibly the most underrated striker in world football. Even at the age of 33, he’s still one of the best

 

 

Read more from the FC Bayern ambassador by clicking the links below. Each leads to an interesting review of an FC Bayern product.

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern DVD and CD review!

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern hoody review!

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern hat and scarf review!

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern t-shirt review!

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern away jersey review!

 

Click here to read the FC Bayern home jersey review!

 

Enjoy! and be welcome to post your comment also.

 

 

 

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern DVD and CD

Review: FC Bayern Munich DVD and CD musical 

by MM Sports’ FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 

 

Do you ever feel like today’s footballing world has passed you by? Are you strung out on eye-pokes and “El Clasicos?” Has Chelsea’s latest game of managerial musical chairs left you feeling empty? If you yearn for a simpler time, Miniver Cheevy, fear not – I have in my hand the passport to the glorious past.  Unwrap your FC Bayern DoublePack, close your eyes, and journey with me to 2007 – a legendary realm in which Fernando Torres could still score goals.  In this mystical era, Fernando Allianz Arena has the shine of a freshly unwrapped Christmas present, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s hair has the shine of an over-eager dye-job, and Oliver Kahn rules Bayern Munich’s  penalty box with iron fists and maniacal outbursts. Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose batter Bundesliga defenses, and Franck Ribery has just arrived in Bavaria, ready to punish opponents with his amazing skill and horrifying visage.

2007 was truly a year of hope and promise for Bayern.  With questions being raised over the winning credentials of Bayern’s current squad, it’s satisfying to reminisce about times when FC Hollywood could seemingly do no wrong.

 

Der FC Bayern Doppelpack lets you pine for victories past with both a DVD and Audio CD.

Video segments include a highlight reel from the 06/07 season, a tribute to the career of Mehmet Scholl, and an Allianz Arena guided tour with Bastian Schweinsteiger (who manages to match his scarf with his Converse All-Stars…very chic.) Each of these segments is interesting enough, but the amount of content is disappointing. The entire season highlight reel, for example, is only three minutes long.  This lack of content and the lackluster interface make the DVD feel hastily assembled. The disc would have benefited from a bit more polish in terms of presentation, as well as a few more segments – a season review would have been a particularly welcome addition.

 

The audio portion has a bit less appeal. I was hoping for some fan chants, or perhaps an example of the spectacular call-and-answer interactions between the announcer and Allianz crowds (“DANKE!” “BITTE!)

Instead, the CD is a collection of Bayern-themed rock songs. I’m sure these tracks would be great for a little rabble-rousing  en-route to the match, but they don’t hold up all that well for the solo listener.

There are some fun moments, particularly in Die Prinzen’s tribute to Oli Kahn, but on the whole the audio is a bit of a disappointment.

 

The 2007 FC Bayern Doublepack is a definitely a fun and quirky piece, but one for which the audience is probably quite small.  This is definitely a product for the hard-core supporter. While 2007 isn’t too far in the past, the footballing world moves quite quickly – as such, new-comers to Bayern fandom my struggle to find familiar faces.  For those of us who have been with FC Bayern for years, it’s fun to look back to see where Rekordmeister has been in recent years, and to find hope for similar successes in the future.

 

 

 

 

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern hoody top

Review: FC Bayern hoody top

By MM Sports FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 

Even as Manchester City trudged off the pitch and out of this season’s Champion’s League, it was tough for this Bayern fan not to feel a twinge of envy. I certainly couldn’t covet City’s introduction into the Europa League, the Champion’s League’s awkward yet well-meaning younger brother.

 Nor were the Citizens’ two spectacular goals a cause of my jealousy– I had little hope that Bayern’s team of youngsters and fringe players would stand much of a chance against City’s first teamers. 

Why then, on what should have been a triumphant evening, did I find myself in reluctant admiration of the Citeh? Perhaps it was because, even in defeat, the boys in blue possessed an indomitable flair, a devil-may-care defiance – in short, Man City has Bad Boy appeal.

Desperate to capture the bad-assery, I immediately donned my new FC Bayern Munich jacket. I pulled the zipper to my chin, raised the hood, and surveyed the world around with a new-found swagger.

 

 

FC Bayern zip hoody top

 

 

This hoodie is the perfect piece for the Bayern supporter looking to embrace his inner rebel. Unlike other hooded sweatshirts, this one eschews pockets, leaving your hands free to engage in all sorts of flippantly illicit activity – buying unauthorized tickets to Argentina, making obscene gestures to opposing supporters, lighting your apartment on fire with fireworks – the choice is yours.

Along with the embroidered crest on the chest, the hoodie features two screenprints – a large, gray crest on the side of the garment, and the club name in red and white printed across the back.

There’s certainly function to match the flair – the jacket is thick enough to keep you toasty whether or not you follow your manager’s instructions to warm up.  The jacket does run a bit snug, so if you need to conceal firearms when entering the local nightclub, plan on ordering a size or two larger than your usual.

 If you’re looking to inject some City-esque bad-boy flair into your Bayern apparel, lay your money down for this excellent jacket.   Unlike City’s squad, you won’t need Sheikh-funds to afford it.

 

 

 

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

Review: FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

By MM Sports FCB ambassador Ben Roden 

 

Winter in the Rocky Mountains can be awfully bleak. The winds are biting, the snow lies in intimidating drifts, and with the MLS season coming to a close last Sunday, there is an alarming lack of domestic football.  As the mercury drops and the days darken, there are only a few comforts available to me -Christmas, the January transfer window, and of course, my new FC Bayern Munich scarf and hat. 

 

Both officially-licensed items are exemplary pieces of fan gear – simple, classy, and functional.

 

FC Bayern knitted hat and scarf

 

 

The cozy, one-size-fits-all knit hat is black, and features a large embroidered Bayern crest on the folded hem, but is otherwise unadorned. It’s the kind of casual, easy item that looks as home on the street as it does in the stands.

 

FC Bayern knitted hat cuffed

 

 

The scarf is similarly versatile – incredibly attractive whether protecting your neck from frigid winds or brandished above your head in drunken reverie as Bayern bombard the goal of their hapless opponents.  Eschewing Bayern’s typical red and white palette, this scarf is a deep blue with white fringes and accents.  The club name, in white, is printed across the length of the scarf, and is flanked on either side by a Bayern crest, complete with gold stars stitched in metallic thread.

 

FC Bayern scarf logo navy

 

 

This cold-weather duo affords all the warmth needed to brave the impending Arctic fury, and the all the style needed to attract Bavarian beer-maidens like moths to a flame…well, one can hope.

Whether or not these products will actually earn you some post-Oktoberfest companionship is up for debate; however, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be happy to be supporting Bayern in this smart fanwear.

Lastly, a warning: while you’re decked out in your Bayern gear this Holiday season, embittered Schalke fans may mistake you for the Bavarian Grinch who recently slunk down the chimney and plucked Manuel Neuer from under the Christmas tree.

 

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern Schweinsteiger tee

Review: FC Bayern Schweinsteiger tee

By MM Sports’ FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 

 As the best and most successful team in German football, FC Bayern München have secured a spot beneath the international spotlight. To the joy of FC Hollywood’s fans, and the dire chagrin of everyone else in Deutschland, Die Bayern have become the face of German club football to the world at large. Like Spain’s Barcelona or England’s Manchester United, Bayern represent the best and brightest their nation has to offer.

 

Bayern showcases the strengths of an impressive football nation, so it’s fitting that their talisman, Bastian Schweinsteiger, does the same. Schweinsteiger possesses the all traditional qualities for which the Germans are known – physical strength, defensive prowess, and an unconquerable work-ethic – but also exhibits the vision and passing prowess that has propelled Die Nationalmannschaft to the top tier of the international game.

 

FC Bayern tee Schweinsteiger

 

 

If you’ve been dying to show your support for Bayern’s very own Vice-Captain-Fantastic, you’re in luck. This official Bayern Munich t-shirt showcases Schweinsteiger in all his glory. The black 100% cotton tee   features a full-color image of Bastian superimposed over the Bayern crest, accented by the player’s signature and kit number.  The print on the chest is vivid and glossy, as is the smaller Bayern crest on the bottom left of the shirt.

 

FC Bayern tee logo close-up

 

 

Since this is an officially licensed item, the Bayern crest is all over the place, from the holographic tags to the collar label – it’s cool to have product directly tied to the club, and it allows for the use of propriety fonts and images unique to FC Bayern.

 

FC Bayern crest 4 stars

 

 

In terms of material and fit, you’ll get what you expect – a standard, comfortable tee. It is 100% cotton, so plan for a bit of shrinkage.

 

My only complaint is a small one; an item of personal taste. While the design is clean and clearly rendered, it does seem a bit too colorful and garish – the kind of image that would look great on a youth shirt, but might be a bit loud for an adult supporter.  Overall, this is a well-made and fun shirt from the official FC Bayern Shop – it’s a perfect match-day homage to one of Bayern’s brightest stars, but I find myself wishing it was better suited for everyday wear. We don’t expect subtlety from Die Roten on the pitch, however, so perhaps it’s a tall order to expect it of their merchandise.  

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern away jersey 10-12

Review: FC Bayern away jersey 11/12

By MM Sports FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden

 Thanks to modern technology, football is accessible to a wider and more diverse audience than ever before.  As the popularity of football continues to grow, so too does the need for football clubs to distinguish themselves from one another.  In addition to on-pitch competitions, top-flight clubs must also fight for the interest and support of an increasingly global fanbase. More than bragging rights are at stake; only by building their brand can clubs insure that they’ll have the financial resources they need to remain competitive.

By embracing a unique and striking design, *11/12 Bayern Munich Away Kit seems to represent this effort for distinction in an increasingly challenging market.

FC Bayern away jersey 2010-12

 

The kit is a brilliant white with horizontal stripes in metallic silver. Adidas’ iconic three stripes are navy, along with the name printing and embroidered FCB below the back collar. There are additional red details on the collar and sleeves.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 back

 

Unusually, Bayern has different sponsor printing for its home and away kits. While the home kit features the main Deutsche Telekom logo, the away kit showcases LIGA total!, Deutsche Telekom’s Bundesliga TV service.  It’s a little on the large side, but the design is subdued enough not to cause much of a distraction. For me though, the color is a bit of an issue. In pictures, the LIGA portion of the text appears red – a color which would tie-in beautifully with the club crest and the collar and sleeve details. In reality, it’s fluorescent pink.  There’s nothing wrong with the color per se, but it’s close enough to the red that the colors seem to clash – the same can be said of the navy conflicting with the royal blue of the FCB crest. These details don’t ruin the look of the kit by any means, but they do exemplify a niggling lack of cohesion that prevents a good shirt from being truly excellent.

 

Along with the aforementioned coloring issues, there are some design touches that feel out of place. For example, the red sleeve accents, which only extend from the outside portion of the sleeve, protrude from the hem at a sharp angle. While this is an interesting design, it seems at odds with the collar, which is more conservatively tapered.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 sleeve

 

Whereas this season’s Bayern’s Home kit exhibits a careful, subtle and unified design, the away kit seems a somewhat haphazard collection of individually impressive ideas.

 

In terms of construction, the shirt is excellent. The badge is brightly embroidered, and the printing is flawless. The shirt I received did not have name and number printing, but as is common with Bayern shirts, did have the club name emblazoned across the shoulders. While this is a nice detail, the back of the kit looks a bit strange with text only at the top – this is a kit that would definitely benefit from the addition of name and number.  

 

In my experience, the comfort of Adidas’ kits is second to no one, and this kit is no exception.  Like the home kit, it’s made using Adidas’ ClimaCool fabric, but seems thinner and lighter.  The addition of mesh underarm vents and a collar notch make this a comfortable and well ventilated top to wear onto the pitch or around town.

FC Bayern away jersey 10-12 Clima Cool Holo

 

On the whole, the Bayern Munich 11/12 Away kit is another good showing from Adidas. If the aim of the design is to stand out, it certainly succeeds; this shirt will definitely start some conversations at the Sunday five-a-side. It’s a shame that more effort wasn’t given to fully integrate the shirt’s disparate elements; with a bit more clarity in the overall design, this shirt could have been iconic. Despite the lackluster summation of its parts, though, this year’s Bayern Away kit still manages to impress.

 

4/5

 

*Note – If you think this shirt looks strangely familiar, you’re right: Bayern wore the same away kit during the 10/11 season.  

Categories
FC Bayern Munich Product Reviews

Review: FC Bayern home jersey 11-13

Review: FC Bayern Munich home jersey 11-12 +12-13

By MM Sports FC Bayern ambassador Ben Roden, Utah, USA

 

 “The price of success is sometimes suffocating expectation. So it seems to be with Bayern München. After a disappointing finish in last year’s Bundesliga campaign, and a heartbreaking exit from the Champions League, questions are being raised by pundits and fans alike: how can a team with so much history and so much talent fall short? After a busy transfer period and some strong signings, Die Roten now hope to quiet their critics and appease their restless supporters with a strong campaign.

 

 With Bayern challenging for silverware on multiple fronts, Allianz Arena will need to become a fortress for Bayern to succeed; appropriately, they will take to the home pitch in a kit that represents the legacy of Germany’s most successful club.

While previous kits have paid tribute to Bayern’s historical kits in literal terms, (the red and white stripes of the 10/11 home kit, for example) this year’s Adidas kit utilizes a simple design and important details to create a more spiritual successor to previous classics.

The color template is red and gold – the bright red of recent years has been replaced with a deep cardinal, accented with subtle stripes and gold details.  The color, while a slight deviation from the norm pays tribute to tradition, while the gold stripes and lettering represent FCB’s numerous trophies, both past and future.

 

 

FC Bayern Munich home jersey 11-12

 

 

The quality of the garment itself is excellent. The kit features Adidas’ ClimaCool fabric and vent panels for comfort, and a fairly traditional fit. The sponsor, crest, and name/number are of top quality and are integrated perfectly into the kit. The text on the back of the jersey is printed in metallic gold, and a small Bayern crest is stamped into each number. The club’s name is printed across the shoulders, while the player’s name is printed just below the number in the same distinctive font.

 

FC Bayern home jersey 11-12 + Schweinsteiger 31 printing

 

As is common with many Adidas designs, Bayern’s kit features a number of unique and impressive details that are unique to the club. Bayern is known to many as “Rekordmeister,” or in English, “Record Champion,” a title which refers to their numerous cups and titles – this nickname is emblazoned in a gold strip on the back collar of the kit.

 

 

FC Bayern home jersey 11-12 collar Rekordmeister

 

On the inside of the collar is the club’s motto – “Mia san mia,” a Bavarian phrase roughly translated as “We are who we are,” a further symbol of the club’s identity.

 

 

FC Bayern home jersey collar inside Mia San Mia

 

Even the vertical stripes on the front of the kit echo the checker of the Bavarian flag found in the team’s crest.

These details are small but well executed, enriching the overall design of the kit rather than distracting from it.

Overall, this is one of the best Bayern Munich kits in years –elegant, timeless and powerful.  Striking a perfect balance between simplicity and character, the kit perfectly captures the current aim of FC Bayern –drawing on the strength of Bayern’s legacy while looking ahead to the future.

Overall Rating: 10/10″