Sophia Thomalla criticizes Bayern Munich fan culture in new documentary

In the new Sky documentary ‘Mythos Schalke – Ein Leben lang’, moderator Sophia Thomalla discusses her deep emotional connection to the city of Gelsenkirchen and the football club Schalke 04. Having grown up in the Ruhr area with her mother, Simone Thomalla, and Rudi Assauer, she describes the club as a central part of her upbringing.

Thomalla uses the documentary to criticize the fan culture of FC Bayern München, contrasting it with the loyalty found in Gelsenkirchen. She characterizes the support for Bayern as ‘bought fan love’ that is driven by success rather than genuine connection.

These comments create a personal tension at home, as her partner, professional tennis player Alexander Zverev, is a known supporter of FC Bayern München. Thomalla noted that she often questions his enthusiasm for the team's victories, remarking, ‘You are a native Hamburger, what is this nonsense?’