FC Augsburg
| File:FC Augsburg logo.svg Club crest | |
| Company type | Registered association (eingetragener Verein) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Professional football |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Headquarters | Augsburg , Germany |
Area served | Germany, Europe |
Key people | Walther Seinsch (chairman) |
| Products | Football teams |
Number of employees | 27,000+ (members) |
| Website | www |
Fußball-Club Augsburg 1907 e. V., commonly referred to as FC Augsburg (), is a professional football organization located in Augsburg, Bavaria, Germany. Competing in the Bundesliga—the highest level of German football—FC Augsburg was initially established in 1907 under the name Fußball-Klub Alemannia Augsburg. From 1921 until 1969, the club operated as BC Augsburg. With a membership exceeding 27,000 individuals, it stands as the largest football club in the Swabian region of Bavaria.
Throughout its history, the club has oscillated between the second and third tiers of German football and even faced demotion to the fourth division in the early 2000s. However, FC Augsburg managed a successful comeback by securing promotion to the Bundesliga in 2011, where it has remained ever since. Their highest achievement in the Bundesliga was finishing fifth during the 2014–15 season. The club made its first appearance in European tournaments in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League, advancing to the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Liverpool.
Since 2009, FC Augsburg has hosted its home matches at the WWK ARENA, situated south of Augsburg’s city center with a seating capacity of 30,660. The stadium enjoys strong attendance figures, averaging 29,301 spectators per game (95.6% occupancy) during the 2023–24 Bundesliga season. Its design includes a single tier with a standing terrace behind one goal known as the Ulrich-Biesinger-Tribüne, alongside three seated stands, one of which contains a standing area designated for visiting supporters.
The club maintains fierce local rivalries with FC Ingolstadt 04 and TSV 1860 Munich, attracting substantial crowds during derby fixtures. A notable highlight was a 1973 encounter at Munich’s Olympic Stadium that set a record attendance for the club. Matches against Bayern Munich also frequently reach full capacity.
FC Augsburg’s official colors—red, green, and white—are reflected in both their kits and emblem, which draws inspiration from Augsburg’s city crest. The team’s training grounds are located adjacent to their stadium, and a dedicated club shop operates near Augsburg Hauptbahnhof.
Formation
Discussions about merging Augsburg’s principal football clubs—TSV Schwaben and BC Augsburg—began in the late 1940s but were repeatedly postponed due to mutual mistrust and fears of one side dominating the other, despite financial challenges faced by both entities. By 1964, neither club competed in top-tier football. While Schwaben’s leadership favored unification, resistance from its football division delayed progress.[1] Historically, BC Augsburg represented the working-class northern districts of Augsburg, whereas Schwaben was associated with the wealthier southern areas separated by the Wertach river.[2]
Merger negotiations resumed in 1968 after BCA had been relegated from professional ranks and Schwaben faced imminent demotion. In April 1969, officials consented to establish FC Augsburg (FCA), a club exclusively dedicated to football activities. This initiative received significant support from Augsburg’s mayor at the time, Hans Breuer.[1]
At that juncture, Schwaben had just dropped out of the second-tier Regionalliga Süd and assessed that financial recovery was unlikely; meanwhile, BCA narrowly missed ascending back to that level. In June of that year, an overwhelming majority—256 out of 265 BCA members—voted in favor of merging; shortly thereafter, approximately three-quarters of Schwaben members also approved.[1][3]
Schwaben opted for a limited approach by integrating only its football division into FCA.[3] A faction opposed to this decision created Eintracht Augsburg and restarted competition at grassroots levels. Consequently, FCA is commonly regarded as a continuation of BC Augsburg’s heritage rather than Schwaben’s. Eintracht’s players rejoined Schwaben after one year but remained at amateur status. By 1981, FCA’s newly formed football department reclaimed third-division status, reviving local derbies within Augsburg.[4]
The club played its first official match on 30 July 1969 against 1. FC Nürnberg, attracting an audience of 13,000; FCA lost 0–3 after extra time.[3]
Early period (1969–1974)
After its establishment in 1969, the club mainly competed in second and third-tier leagues such as the Bayernliga, Regionalliga Süd, and 2. Bundesliga. Although it unified Augsburg's football landscape, early achievements were modest; a fourth-place standing coupled with low spectator turnout indicated limited local enthusiasm. The 1971–72 campaign concluded with an eighth-place ranking, but the team bounced back by clinching the league title the following season, reinstating professional football in Augsburg. By this time, fan interest had surged considerably, exemplified by 15,000 attendees celebrating the championship.
During the 1973–74 season, FCA made a significant signing by re-acquiring former German international Helmut Haller from Italy for DM 44,000. Average attendance surpassed 22,000, and a fierce rivalry with TSV 1860 Munich was ignited after a match at Munich's Olympic Stadium attracted 80,000 spectators. FCA excelled in the Regionalliga campaign, winning the league as a newly promoted side and securing a place in the Bundesliga promotion playoffs. Although they finished second to Tennis Borussia Berlin and narrowly missed promotion by a single point, FCA qualified for the southern group of the newly formed 2. Bundesliga.
Period of stagnation (1974–1983)
The club found it difficult to sustain progress in the 2. Bundesliga, enduring lower-table finishes, coaching turnovers, and sporadic absences of Helmut Haller. After six seasons, FCA was relegated to the Bayernliga in 1978–79 despite Haller’s final appearances at age 40.
A swift recovery followed as FCA won the Bavarian league championship in 1979–80 and advanced to the German amateur championship final before falling to VfB Stuttgart's reserve team. However, alterations to the 2. Bundesliga structure—consolidating into a single division with fewer teams—made achieving promotion more difficult. Finishing 18th in 1980–81 proved insufficient to maintain their status.
The club captured the Bavarian league title once more and succeeded in a promotion playoff behind FSV Frankfurt, returning to the 2. Bundesliga despite financial strains affecting matchday income. Nevertheless, FCA was relegated immediately due to goal difference and did not return to the second level for almost a quarter-century.
Bayernliga era: 1983 to 1994
FCA spent eleven seasons competing in Bavaria’s premier league at that time, the Bayernliga—the third tier of German football. Following the reduction of second-tier divisions from five to one by 1981, competition intensified with former 2. Bundesliga sides such as 1860 Munich, SpVgg Bayreuth, SpVgg Fürth, Jahn Regensburg, MTV Ingolstadt, FC Schweinfurt 05, and Bayern Hof all contesting alongside Augsburg.
Although regularly challenging near the top of the table, FCA’s highest finish was runner-up in 1985 behind SpVgg Bayreuth. This era was characterized by frequent changes in management until Armin Veh’s appointment in 1991 brought improved performances, aided by 1860 Munich’s return to professional ranks.
In 1993, FCA earned its sole national accolade by capturing the German Under-19 championship against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The club aimed for promotion again in 1994 but encountered stronger northern opponents during playoffs and failed to advance. Nonetheless, FCA qualified for the newly created Regionalliga Süd—a tier positioned between the 2. Bundesliga and Bayernliga as the third level of competition.
Regionalliga (1994–2000)
During its initial four seasons in the Regionalliga, Augsburg regularly secured mid-table positions. The club experienced a downturn in the fifth season, finishing 14th and narrowly escaping relegation.
The following year, as the number of Regionalligas was reduced from four to two, FCA achieved its highest placement to that point by ending the season in eighth place. Nevertheless, the club faced critical financial challenges that jeopardized its future. After a principal investor withdrew support, FCA was unable to meet the German Football Association’s (DFB) requirement to provide a DM 3 million financial guarantee. Despite solid performances on the pitch, this shortfall resulted in the denial of their Regionalliga license. Burdened with DM 1.8 million in debt and with main sponsor Infomatec failing to fulfill its obligations, FCA was consequently relegated to the Bayernliga, which had become the fourth tier.
Recovery (2000–2011)
The club’s financial turnaround was spearheaded by local businessman Walther Seinsch, who assumed the chairmanship and implemented prudent fiscal policies. Under his leadership, FCA reconstructed a competitive squad in the Bayernliga and secured promotion back to the Regionalliga in 2002.
Competing in the third division, Augsburg consistently placed within the top four over four seasons. In 2005, they narrowly missed ascending to the 2. Bundesliga after conceding two late goals against Jahn Regensburg. The subsequent season saw them crowned champions of the Regionalliga Süd, earning promotion to the 2. Bundesliga for 2006–07—marking their return to that level after a 23-year absence. FCA concluded that campaign in seventh place with 52 points, just eight points short of Bundesliga promotion. A standout moment included a 3–0 victory over 1860 Munich at the Allianz Arena before an audience of 69,000 spectators. The 2007–08 season brought managerial changes as Ralf Loose was replaced by Holger Fach; despite challenges, relegation was avoided on goal difference.
In 2009, FCA transitioned from their long-established home at Rosenaustadion to the newly constructed Augsburg Arena, which also served as a venue during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Under Dutch head coach Jos Luhukay, Augsburg reached the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal and finished third in the 2. Bundesliga in 2009–10, narrowly missing promotion after losing in the playoffs to 1. FC Nürnberg. The following season, FCA secured second place and achieved historic promotion to the Bundesliga.
Bundesliga and Europa League qualification (2011–present)
Augsburg recorded their inaugural Bundesliga victory on 15 October 2011 against Mainz 05 and confirmed their top-flight status early during their debut campaign. After Luhukay resigned in April 2012, Markus Weinzierl was appointed manager in May.
The club faced difficulties during their second Bundesliga season, accumulating only nine points in the first half; however, survival was ensured with a final-day triumph over Greuther Fürth. In 2013–14, FCA improved substantially, finishing eighth and competing for Europa League qualification rather than battling relegation.
Although they suffered an early DFB-Pokal upset against amateur side 1. FC Magdeburg in 2014–15, Augsburg’s fifth-place finish secured entry into the UEFA Europa League for 2015–16—their highest league standing yet. They progressed beyond the group stage following a crucial away victory at Partizan but were eliminated by Liverpool in the round of 32.
Markus Weinzierl left for Schalke 04 in June 2016; Dirk Schuster briefly took over before Manuel Baum assumed managerial duties in December. Under Baum’s guidance, FCA achieved their strongest Bundesliga start ever during the 2017–18 season.
In 2021, American investor David Blitzer purchased a 45% share from Klaus Hofmann, who resigned as president in September 2022 and was succeeded by Markus Krapf.
Kit
The primary color of Augsburg's kits is white, with red and green appearing as alternate options from time to time.
Matches
| Season | Competition | Stage | Opponent | Home Result | Away Result | Overall Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | UEFA Europa League | Group L | Template:Fbaicon Athletic Bilbao | 2–3 | 1–3 | 2nd |
| Template:Fbaicon AZ | 4–1 | 1–0 | ||||
| Template:Fbaicon Partizan | 1–3 | 3–1 | ||||
| Round of 32 | Template:Fbaicon Liverpool | 0–0 | 0–1 | 0–1 |
Coaching staff
| Role | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Germany Sandro Wagner |
| Assistant Head Coach | Germany Thomas Kasparetti |
| Assistant Coach | Germany Sven Palinkasch |
| Goalkeeper Coach | Germany Marco Langner |
| Fitness Coaches | Germany Andreas Bäumler, Christian Hahn, Quirin Löppert, Frank Roßner |
| Video Analysts | Germany Benedikt Brust, Felix Kling |
| Head of Academy Coaching | Germany Claus Schromm |
| Scout | Germany Nils Drube |
| Medical Doctors | Germany Dr. Andreas Weigel, Dr. Jens-Ulrich Otto, Dr. Karsten Bogner |
| Physiotherapists | Germany Martin Miller, Nikolaus Guschl, Alexander Ablaß |
| Masseur | Germany Samuel da Costa Pacheco |
| Kit Managers | Germany Philipp Dolla, Jan-Vincent Reckord, Christoph Schade Template:Country data ITATemplate:Namespace detect showall Salvatore Belardo |
Managers
Below is a list of the club's recent head coaches:
| Tenure | Manager |
|---|
FC Augsburg seasons
Overview of the club's recent performance by season:
| Season | League | Tier | Position | Matches played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals scored | Goals conceded | Points | Cup | Manager(s) | Leading scorer(s) | Goals |
| 2020–21 | BL | I | 13th place | 34 | 10 | 6 | 18 | 36 | 54 | 36 | Round 2 | Heiko Herrlich Markus Weinzierl |
André Hahn | 8 |
| 2021–22 | BL | I | 14th place | 34 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 39 | 56 | 38 | Round 2 | Markus Weinzierl | Michael Gregoritsch | 9 |
| 2022–23 | BL | I | 15th place | 34 | 9 | 7 | 18 | 42 | 63 | 34 | Round 2 | Enrico Maaßen | Mërgim Berisha | 9 |
| 2023–24 | BL | I | 11th place | 34 | 10 | 9 | 15 | 50 | 60 | 39 | Round 1 | Enrico Maaßen Jess Thorup |
Ermedin Demirović | 15 |
| 2024–25 | BL | I | 12th place | 34 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 51 | 43 | Quarter-finals | Jess Thorup | Alexis Claude-Maurice | 9 |
League
- 2. Bundesliga
- Second place: (2010–11)
- Regionalliga Süd (Levels II–III)
- Bayernliga (Levels III–IV)
Cup
- DFB-Pokal
- Semi-finalists: (2009–10)
- Schwaben Cup (Divisions III to V)
- Winners (13 times): seasons spanning from 1968–69 through to 2004–05 including multiple consecutive titles in early years and sporadic wins thereafter
- Runners-up: season of 1991–92
Youth
- Under 19 Bundesliga
- Champions: season of 1992–93
- Under 17 Bundesliga
- Second place: season of 1978–79
- German Under-19 Cup
- Winners: achieved in the seasons of 1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, and 1994–95
- Under 19 Bayernliga
- Champions: titles earned in the years of 1977–78, 1989–90, 1992–93, 1996–97, as well as more recent victories in the seasons of 2009–10, 2011–12, and 2015–16
- Runners-up: achieved in seasons including but not limited to:1975–76,1978-79,1988-89,2004-05,2008-09
- Under 17 Bayernliga
- Champions: secured titles during the seasons of1978-79,1980-81,1994-95,2002-03,2005-06 and2014-15
- Second place: attained in various seasons such as1975-76,1976-77,1977-78,1983-84,1984-85,1990-91,2007-08 and2009-10
- Under 15 Bayernliga
- Champions: claimed victories in the years1995-96 and2009-10
- Runners-up: finished second during1980-81,1982-83,1984-85 and1996-97
Youth
Although the senior squad experienced varied outcomes over the years, the club’s youth division distinguished itself by securing a national Under-18 championship in 1993, marking the last occasion a non-Bundesliga club claimed this title. Additionally, under the guidance of coach Heiner Schuhmann in the early 1990s, the youth sides captured four German Under-19 Cup trophies. After Schuhmann moved on to Bayern Munich, the youth teams faced a decline in performance. The introduction of the Under 19 Bundesliga in 2004 and the Under 17 Bundesliga in 2007 initially relegated these squads to second-tier competitions. However, by the 2013–14 season, they had regained their status and were once again competing in Germany’s premier youth leagues.
Reserve Team
Prior to the merger, the reserve squad, then known as BC Augsburg Amateure, enjoyed success competing in the southern division of the Amateurliga Bayern during the 1962–63 season. Their sixth-place finish secured qualification for the consolidated Bavarian league the next year; however, both first and reserve teams were relegated after ending the season in 17th place.
Following a period spent in lower amateur divisions, the reserve side made a comeback to the Landesliga Bayern-Süd in 1976, finishing as runners-up during their inaugural season under the FC Augsburg Amateure name. Despite this strong showing, relegation followed in 1978, and it took nearly 25 years before they returned to that tier. The team triumphed in the Schwaben Cup in 1977 and earned a spot in the opening round of the 1977–78 DFB-Pokal. They progressed to the third round by defeating second-division Arminia Hannover and amateur club 1. FC Normannia Gmünd, before being eliminated with a 0–4 loss to Hertha BSC.
As a founding member of the Bezirksoberliga Schwaben in 1988, the reserve team was eventually withdrawn and dissolved, remaining inactive for more than ten years.
Since reestablishing themselves in 2004, FC Augsburg II has competed consistently in the Landesliga Bayern-Süd, achieving commendable results and securing promotion to the Regionalliga Bayern at the conclusion of the 2011–12 campaign.