1. FC Köln will wear a special commemorative jersey in their Bundesliga home match against FC Schalke 04 on 24 October. The dark red shirt with gold elements features the sheet music of Willi Ostermann's classic song "Heimweh nach Köln," honouring the Cologne composer's 150th birthday.
The women's team will debut the same design earlier, in their Frauen-Bundesliga home game against Hamburger SV on 17 October. Inspired by the historical frock coat of the Willi Ostermann Society, the jersey continues a tradition of Cologne-themed designs.
A visible symbol
Marketing chief Philipp Liesenfeld highlighted the design's significance. "We are celebrating Willi Ostermann and his memory with a design that makes visible the special relationship people have with the city, Cologne traditions, and the club," he said. Ralf Schlegelmilch, president of the Willi Ostermann Society, added: "The special jersey is a visible sign of our connection to our city, our cultural heritage, and the feeling for life that Willi Ostermann embodies to this day."
Reactions among the FC fanbase were largely positive. On social media, fans commented with "dreamy" and "awesome kit." Some, however, criticised the retail price, with one writing, "111 euros without printing gives me goosebumps too." Another fan called the jersey beautiful but the price clearly too high.
Current sporting context
The special appearance comes amid a mixed start to the season. FC Köln sit 13th in the Bundesliga with four points from four matches. Their last five games yielded two wins, one draw, and two defeats, most recently a 2-1 loss to Hamburger SV. A full overview of results and goalscorers is available on our stats page.
Before the Ostermann jersey is worn against Schalke, the Billy Goats face a home derby against bottom-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach on 11 October. The match against Schalke on 24 October kicks off at 15:30 at the RheinEnergieSTADION.
This story first appeared at WDR.de
