Franck Ribery’s emotional farewell to Bayern Munich fans in 2019 left a lasting impression, especially when he signed off with “Mia san Mia!!!!!!”. For those unfamiliar with the phrase, it begs the question: what does Mia san Mia mean? It’s not French, despite Ribery’s origins. Instead, it’s the powerful Bavarian motto of FC Bayern Munich, encapsulating the club’s identity and ethos. In essence, “Mia san Mia” is the Bavarian equivalent of the German phrase “Wir sind wir,” which translates to “We are who we are” in English. But its significance runs much deeper than a simple translation.
Origins and History of “Mia san Mia”
To fully grasp what Mia san Mia means, we need to delve into its historical roots. The phrase originated in the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire. Later, it gained prominence in Germany through Franz Josef Strauss, a significant figure in Bavarian politics as chairman of the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU). However, it was in the 1980s that “Mia san Mia” was officially adopted by Bayern Munich, embedding itself into the club’s culture.
Club historians suggest that the motto gained real momentum during Bayern’s journey to the 1987 European Cup final. Players like Hans Pflügler, Hansi Dorfner, and Ludwig Kögl reportedly incorporated “Mia san Mia” into a celebratory song after matches. These impromptu performances, often on tables or bar tops, helped solidify the phrase within the team’s spirit. Although Bayern lost that final 2-1 to Porto, they gained something arguably more enduring: a club motto that became synonymous with their illustrious history, unprecedented success, and unwavering winning mentality.
“Mia san Mia”: A Player’s Perspective
Thomas Müller, a Bayern Munich homegrown star, perhaps best articulates what Mia san Mia truly means in a footballing context. He explains, “Mia san Mia stands for the complete will to succeed. That’s how we manage to turn games around so often. There’s no middle ground, only wins.” Müller emphasizes the uncompromising nature of the motto, highlighting that it represents a relentless pursuit of victory.
He further elaborates, “Mia san Mia stands for a hardcore winning mentality with a good dose of self-belief, but without any arrogance. Whoever wants to win has to work hard for it. It’s the same as for professional footballers.” This interpretation underscores the dedication, hard work, and confidence that are central to the “Mia san Mia” philosophy. It’s about striving for excellence and believing in one’s ability to achieve it, without crossing the line into arrogance.
Müller concludes by stating its importance within the club’s culture: “The best footballers always play for Bayern. Everyone gives it their all in training. Anyone who can’t get on with the idea is in the wrong place. It’s something we all try to teach the younger players. There’s nothing that’s more important.” This reveals that “Mia san Mia” is not just a slogan; it’s a fundamental principle that shapes player selection, training ethics, and the club’s overall approach, instilled from the youngest academy players to seasoned professionals.
In the red of Bayern Munich alongside the blue and white of Bavaria, local boy Thomas Müller epitomises “Mia san Mia”. – Stuart Franklin/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty Images
The 16 Golden Rules of “Mia san Mia”
To further understand what Mia san Mia represents, Bayern Munich unveiled 16 ‘golden rules’ in 2010 during their 110th-anniversary celebrations. These principles are prominently displayed at the Säbener Straße training ground, serving as a constant reminder of the club’s ethos. These rules provide a detailed breakdown of the values embedded within “Mia san Mia”:
- Mia san ein Verein – We are one club: United by history and shared values, everyone within the club contributes to its development.
- Mia san Botschafter – We are ambassadors: Every member, from players to fans, represents the club and must uphold its values, projecting a positive image.
- Mia san Vorbilder – We are role models: Players, staff, and fans alike are expected to be positive role models, demonstrating good sportsmanship and unwavering support.
- Mia san Tradition – We are tradition: Pride in the club’s rich history, both on and off the field, including its resistance to the Nazi regime and commitment to player welfare and financial responsibility.
- Mia san Innovation – We are innovation: A constant drive to improve in all aspects – sporting, financial, and community engagement – while honoring tradition.
- Mia san Selbstvertrauen – We are self-belief: High expectations, unwavering self-confidence, and a fearless approach to every match, aiming for victory through courageous teamwork.
- Mia san grenzenlos – We are diversity: Embracing inclusivity and diversity, learning from different cultures, and aligning with the European Union’s motto of “United in diversity.”
- Mia san Fußball – We are football: Recognizing football as the unifying force of the club, remembering its origins and the passion for the game itself.
- Mia san Respekt – We are respect: Mutual respect among players, coaches, management, and fans as fundamental to sustained success.
- Mia san Freude – We are joy: Players should derive joy from playing for Bayern, and the club should provide entertainment for fans. Accepting defeat gracefully and celebrating others’ joy.
- Mia san Treue – We are loyal: Valuing loyalty to players, especially those from the youth academy, past players, and unwavering fan support through all times.
- Mia san Partner – We are partners: Shared commitment and mutual support in both victory and defeat, working together as a collective.
- Mia san Heimat – We are home-loving: Pride in Munich and a commitment to enriching the city’s history and representing it with distinction.
- Mia san Motor – We are dynamic: Embracing progress and innovation to stay at the forefront, while upholding core values and traditions.
- Mia san Verantwortung – We are responsibility: Setting a positive example, taking responsibility for actions, including failures, and learning from them.
- Mia san Familie – We are family: A sense of unity and belonging, where everyone connected to Bayern Munich is part of a lifelong family.
“Mia san Mia” in Action: Fan Support and Community
The impact of “Mia san Mia” extends far beyond the players and management; it deeply resonates with Bayern Munich’s global fanbase. The Allianz Arena, Bayern’s 75,000-capacity stadium, proudly displays the motto and is consistently sold out. Fans travel in large numbers to away games, creating an atmosphere of unwavering support. This dedication reflects the “Mia san Mia” principle of loyalty and partnership between the club and its supporters.
Captain Manuel Neuer and other Bayern stars maintain close relationships with the fans, further embodying the “Mia san Mia” spirit. The club boasts 291,000 official members, the largest membership of any football club worldwide, highlighting the strong community fostered by the motto. A prime example of this connection is the annual Christmas visits, a cherished tradition where players, coaches, and senior figures like president Herbert Hainer and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge visit local fan clubs across Germany and even internationally. These visits provide a unique opportunity for fans to interact with their heroes, reinforcing the “Mia san Mia” value of “family.”
Team visits to Oktoberfest also strengthen local bonds, exemplifying the Mia san Heimat principle. By participating in local traditions, Bayern Munich reinforces its identity as a proud representative of Munich.
“Mia san Mia” and On-field Success
Ultimately, what Mia san Mia means is inextricably linked to Bayern Munich’s unparalleled success on the pitch. With 30 German league titles, 20 DFB Cup wins, and six European Cup/Champions League titles, Bayern is Germany’s most decorated club and a global football powerhouse. This sustained success is seen as a direct manifestation of the “Mia san Mia” mentality – the relentless pursuit of victory, the unwavering self-belief, and the collective strength of the team.
Beyond trophies, “Mia san Mia” also manifests in the club’s solidarity with other German clubs. Bayern has a history of providing financial assistance to struggling rivals, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and community within German football. Furthermore, the club’s fan-first policy, reflected in affordable ticket prices, underlines the “Mia san Mia” value of loyalty and accessibility.
Conclusion: “Mia san Mia” – More Than a Motto
In conclusion, what does Mia san Mia mean? It’s far more than just a catchy slogan. It’s the DNA of Bayern Munich, a deeply ingrained philosophy that shapes every aspect of the club, from player selection to fan engagement and community responsibility. “Mia san Mia” is a testament to a hardcore winning mentality, unwavering self-belief, a commitment to tradition and innovation, and a strong sense of family and community. It is, as Bayern Munich proudly proclaims, not just a motto, but a way of life.
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