Herbert Hainer is aiming for a third term as president of FC Bayern. The exact timing of the election depends on the DFL.
Herbert Hainer is not done yet. As reported by Kicker on Sunday and officially confirmed by the German record champions the following day, the FC Bayern president will stand for re-election this autumn.
This decision paves the way for the 71-year-old to begin his third term at the helm of Germany’s most successful football club, reinforcing a leadership tenure marked by stability, growth, and continued ambition both on and off the pitch.
For Hainer, the presidency of Bayern Munich is more than just a ceremonial role it is a profound responsibility tied to his personal history with the club. “It is an honor for me to be the president of FC Bayern, and I would be delighted if the supervisory board nominates me again as a candidate,” Hainer expressed in an official club statement. “Even as a young man, I stood in the fan section. I feel it is a great responsibility for all of us to continue developing this club together with its unique fanbase, so that everyone can be proud of our FC Bayern.” This personal connection to the club and its supporters has underpinned Hainer's approach since he first assumed office in 2019, succeeding the iconic Uli Hoeneß.
On September 5th, Hainer will formally present himself as a candidate during the Supervisory Board’s meeting, a procedural step that is widely regarded as a formality given the absence of any internal opposition. In fact, within the walls of Säbener Straße Bayern’s training ground and administrative headquarters Hainer enjoys broad support across all levels of the organization, from boardroom executives to the club’s expansive membership base.
“I’ve always said I want to be the president for everyone,” Hainer emphasized, reinforcing his inclusive philosophy. “It’s about passion, courage, clarity and togetherness,” he added, highlighting the core values that have guided his leadership. Hainer, who served as CEO of Adidas from 2001 to 2016, brings a wealth of corporate leadership experience, which he has successfully transferred into the world of football governance. Under his presidency, Bayern has continued to thrive not only in sports performance but also in financial health and international branding.
One of Hainer's proudest accomplishments has been fostering stronger engagement between the club’s leadership and its vast and diverse fanbase. “Dialogue is important to me, and in this regard, the club has set new standards in recent years,” he said. This open-door approach has helped maintain a sense of unity within a club that now boasts a staggering 410,000 members making FC Bayern the largest sports club in the world in terms of membership. “As we approach our 125th anniversary, that number speaks for itself. FC Bayern should be a home for everyone. That is what our presidency stands for now and in the future,” Hainer concluded.
Alongside Hainer, both First Vice President Professor Dr. Dieter Mayer, aged 69 and serving since 2016, and Second Vice President Walter Mennekes, aged 77 and also in office since 2016, will stand for re-election. This trio has been instrumental in steering the club through significant periods, including the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested the resilience of football institutions globally. Despite these obstacles, Bayern remained financially robust, continued to collect trophies, and even won the sextuple in 2020, further cementing their elite status in world football.
Hainer’s connection to the club extends beyond the presidency. Since the founding of Bayern Munich AG in 2002 the corporate entity that handles the club's professional football operations he has been a permanent fixture on its supervisory board. In his role as president, he automatically serves as the chairman of that board, overseeing crucial decisions that shape the club's sporting and commercial strategies.
The specific date for Hainer’s potential re-election remains undecided. The club has tentatively scheduled its annual general meeting for either October 31st, November 1st, or November 2nd. However, the exact date will hinge on when the DFL (Deutsche Fußball Liga) schedules Bayern’s home match against Bayer Leverkusen. The DFL is expected to finalize the Bundesliga fixture dates for the upcoming matchdays during the first week of September, after which Bayern will confirm the timing of its general assembly.
As Bayern continues its preparations for another demanding season, both domestically and in Europe, the continuity provided by Hainer’s leadership is viewed internally as a stabilizing force. With challenges such as evolving competition in the Bundesliga, increasing financial pressures in world football, and the club’s strategic focus on sustainability and digital innovation, Hainer’s experience and steady hand are assets Bayern intends to retain.
The re-election of Hainer and his vice presidents would symbolize not just the preservation of an era but also a continued commitment to keeping Bayern Munich at the forefront of football both on the pitch and in the boardroom ensuring the club remains not only Germany’s pride but a global powerhouse.
