Few football clubs carry a mascot quite like 1. FC Köln — a live goat named Hennes has roamed their stadium since 1950. The club, founded in 1948 from the merger of two Cologne sides, plays its home games at RheinEnergieSTADION, a venue that holds 50,000 spectators for club matches. Whether you’re after matchday tickets, want to know who’s currently leading the squad, or simply want to understand why thousands of fans pay €92 a year just for the right to buy tickets first, this guide covers the essentials.
Founded: 1948 · Stadium: RheinEnergieSTADION · Capacity: 50,000 · League: Bundesliga · Nickname: Die Geißböcke (The Goats) · Colors: Red and White
Quick snapshot
- 1. FC Köln formed from Kölner BC and SpVgg Sülz 07 in 1948 (Wikipedia – RheinEnergieStadion)
- RheinEnergieSTADION capacity: 50,000 (Wikipedia – RheinEnergieStadion)
- Membership costs €92/year for adults (24RHEIN – Mitgliedschaft 1. FC Köln)
- Official ticket price categories for different seating blocks in 2025–26
- Exact number of season ticket holders
- Future stadium expansion plans
- First home match 2026–27: 1. FC Köln vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on 29–30 August (RheinEnergieStadion – Official site)
- 2025–26 Bundesliga fixtures tracked via DFB Datencenter (RheinEnergieStadion – Official site)
- Match ticket sales through official FC-Ticketbörse with 15% service fee
- Season ticket holders get priority access before general sale
Key facts about 1. FC Köln at a glance, drawn from the club’s official records and primary sources.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | 1. Fußball-Club Köln 01/07 e.V. |
| Founded | 13 February 1948 |
| Stadium | RheinEnergieSTADION |
| Capacity | 50,000 |
| League | Bundesliga |
| Nickname | Die Geißböcke |
| Mascot | Hennes (live goat) |
| Website | fc.de |
How can I buy FC Köln tickets?
The official channel for 1. FC Köln tickets is the club’s website at fc.de/en/, where both season tickets and individual matchday tickets are sold. For fans who miss out on the initial sale, the club operates an official resale platform called the FC-Ticketbörse, which allows season ticket and day ticket holders to resell their seats at face value plus a 15% service fee (1. FC Köln – FC-Ticketbörse). Tickets purchased through the Ticketbörse are delivered as digital day tickets by default, though buyers can pay an extra €5 per ticket for a physical hard copy.
Resold tickets cannot be listed again on the same platform. If you need to return a Ticketbörse purchase, you must email service@fc.de with the subject “Rückgabe Ticketbörse” and provide your invoice number, seat details, and bank information.
Official ticket shop at fc.de
The primary ticket shop at fc.de/en/ is the only place to buy matchday tickets at their original face value. For home Bundesliga matches, tickets typically go on sale to members first, with remaining inventory released to the general public shortly after.
Third-party ticket resellers
Secondary marketplaces like SeatPick list 1. FC Köln tickets starting from around €48, though average prices hover closer to €643 due to premium listings for high-demand fixtures (SeatPick – 1. FC Köln Tickets). For the 2026–27 season, SeatPick shows minimum prices of €134 for matches against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and €210 for fixtures versus Werder Bremen.
Ticket prices and categories
Exact official price categories for 2025–26 Bundesliga matches vary by seating block and opponent, and the club has not published comprehensive category pricing in English for the current season. The FC-Ticketbörse data suggests face-value prices are substantially lower than secondary market rates for comparable fixtures.
Who are the current FC Köln players?
The 2025–26 first-team squad includes players across all positions, with the roster updated regularly on the club’s official platform. For the most current squad list including transfers, departures, and position assignments, the DFB Datencenter provides authoritative roster data for the 2025–26 Bundesliga season (DFB Datencenter – 1. FC Köln 2025/26).
First-team squad 2024/25
While squad composition changes with each transfer window, the core first-team roster typically features around 22–25 professional players. Soccerplayer.net aggregates recent results and lineups for 1. FC Köln matches during the 2025–26 season, including fixtures at RheinEnergieSTADION against Bayern München and FSV Mainz 05 (Soccerplayer.net – FC Köln members and formations).
Key players to watch
The club has historically featured prominent forwards and midfielders who become focal points for fans purchasing tickets and merchandise. Current standout performers typically feature in match previews and are highlighted on the club’s official website at fc.de.
Youth academy graduates
1. FC Köln maintains a productive youth academy that regularly promotes players to the senior squad. The transition from youth to professional football is a common pathway for German clubs, and academy products often represent the most affordable ticket options for fans following emerging talent.
Transfer windows in January and August typically reshape the squad most significantly. Check DFB Datencenter before purchasing tickets to high-profile fixtures — if a star player transfers, demand and secondary market prices can shift substantially.
When are FC Köln’s upcoming matches and fixtures?
The official fixture list for 1. FC Köln’s 2025–26 Bundesliga campaign is maintained by the DFB Datencenter, which lists match dates, opponents such as Bayer Leverkusen and 1. FC Union Berlin, and results as the season progresses (DFB Datencenter – 1. FC Köln 2025/26). For the 2026–27 season, the first home match at RheinEnergieSTADION is scheduled for 29–30 August 2026: a Bundesliga fixture against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, though the exact kickoff time had not yet been confirmed as of the latest update (RheinEnergieStadion – Official site).
Bundesliga 2024/25 schedule
Bundesliga seasons run from August to May, with each club playing 34 matchdays. The schedule is published well in advance, allowing fans to plan ticket purchases for both home matches at RheinEnergieSTADION and away fixtures.
DFB-Pokal fixtures
In addition to the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln competes in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), with draws determining whether home or away status changes ticket availability. Cup match tickets are sold through the same channels as league fixtures.
How to check live scores
Soccerplayer.net and other independent football statistics sites aggregate live results and lineups for 1. FC Köln’s matches throughout the season, offering real-time updates for fans who cannot attend in person.
What is the official FC Köln website and where to buy a shirt?
The official website for 1. FC Köln is fc.de/en/, which serves as the primary hub for tickets, membership, news, and the online shop. The club’s online store at fc.de/en/fanshop/ sells authentic and replica jerseys, scarves, and other merchandise, with physical shops also available at RheinEnergieSTADION on matchdays and at the club’s headquarters.
Official website: fc.de
The English-language version of the official site provides match previews, squad updates, and ticket access. For the most comprehensive information — including membership details and direct ticket purchasing — the site is the authoritative source.
Online shop for shirts and merchandise
The fan shop stocks the current season’s kit, training apparel, and accessories. Jersey pricing varies between authentic (match-worn quality) and replica versions, with children’s sizes and fan-project merchandise also available.
Authentic vs replica jerseys
Authentic jerseys match what players wear on the pitch, including performance fabrics and official licensing. Replica versions offer similar designs at lower price points, suitable for fans who want the club colors without match-worn specifications. Combined memberships with the Fan-Projekt 1. FC Köln 1991 e.V. (offered at €102 annually versus €92 for standard membership) sometimes include exclusive merchandise access (24RHEIN – Mitgliedschaft 1. FC Köln).
For international fans, the online shop ships internationally, though shipping costs and delivery times vary. Authentic jerseys are the better choice for collectors; replicas suit regular wearers who want club colors without premium pricing.
What is FC Köln’s stadium and who is its mascot Hennes?
RheinEnergieSTADION, located at Aachener Straße 999, 50933 Cologne, Germany, is the home of 1. FC Köln and one of Germany’s most characterful football venues. The stadium holds approximately 50,000 spectators for club matches and 45,965 for international games, where terracing restrictions apply (Wikipedia – RheinEnergieStadion). The stadium is owned and operated by Kölner Sportstätten GmbH, which runs a visitor center for enquiries about football matches and other events.
RheinEnergieSTADION details
The venue opened in 1923 and has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2004. It hosts not only Bundesliga matches but also concerts — for example, a Kendrick Lamar & SZA Grand National Tour show on 2 August 2026 drew an attendance of 36,896 (Wikipedia – RheinEnergieStadion). Around 7,500 car parking spaces and a dedicated P8 coach park serve match visitors (RheinEnergieStadion – Football matches PDF).
History of Hennes the goat
The club’s mascot is Hennes, a live goat who has represented 1. FC Köln since 1950 — predating many modern football mascot traditions across Europe. The goat’s name references Hennes Weisweiler, a legendary coach who helped establish the club’s early identity. Hennes makes appearances at home matches and has become synonymous with the club’s nickname, Die Geißböcke (The Goats).
Stadium tours and capacity
Stadium tours operated by Kölner Sportstätten GmbH offer behind-the-scenes access to areas including the tunnel, dressing rooms, and the press conference room. The visitor center at Junkersdorfer Straße 1, 50933 Cologne handles tour enquiries and general stadium information (RheinEnergieStadion – Anfahrt).
A club that won German championships in 1962, 1964, and 1978 — and lifted the DFB-Pokal in 1968, 1977, and 1983 — now measures its appeal as much by goat mascots and fan ownership as by trophy cabinets. For fans, that eccentricity is the point.
How do I get to RheinEnergieSTADION?
Reaching RheinEnergieSTADION on matchdays is straightforward via public transport, which is included with your match ticket. Tram lines 1 and 7 of KVB (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe) stop near the stadium, as do S-Bahn lines S12 and S19, with interchange options at Köln Messe/Deutz and Köln Weiden West stations (RheinEnergieStadion – Football matches PDF). Matchday tickets are valid on KVB buses, trams, and trains within the VRS (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg) transport network, eliminating the need for additional fare payments.
Public transport options
For those driving, the stadium is accessible via the Cologne motorway ring at Kreuz Köln West (A1/A4), with recommended exits including Köln Bocklemünd, Köln Lövenich, Köln Weiden/Frechen, Köln Klettenberg, and Frechen Nord. Stadium signage directs visitors to designated car parks.
Parking and arrivals
Approximately 7,500 car parking spaces are available around the stadium, plus the P8 coach park. For major events, recommended sat-nav addresses for car parks include Salzburger Weg (P6, P7, P8), Militärringstr./Wendelinstr. (P1), and Brauweiler Weg (P3) in Cologne (RheinEnergieStadion – Directions). Stadium travel guides recommend arriving early and using park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic congestion around the venue.
Your match ticket doubles as a transit pass on matchday — use it. Trams and S-Bahn are faster than driving, and the stadium area becomes heavily congested before kickoff.
Why become a 1. FC Köln member?
Membership at 1. FC Köln costs €92 per year for adults, granting first right of purchase for high-demand home matches and occasional away fixtures (1. FC Köln – Membership (EN)). For €102 annually, fans can opt for a combined membership with the Fan-Projekt 1. FC Köln 1991 e.V., which supports fan initiatives and occasionally provides exclusive merchandise access (24RHEIN – Mitgliedschaft 1. FC Köln).
Membership benefits
Beyond ticket priority, members enjoy reduced booking fees for advance ticket purchases and access to dedicated purchasing channels, including telephone and online orders for both home and away matches. The FC-Ticketbörse is typically activated at the start of the members’ pre-sale period, giving members the first opportunity to buy before general availability.
Kids club and family options
The FC-Kidsclub membership is free for children up to age 6 and available at reduced rates for children aged 7–12. Family memberships and combined Fan-Projekt packages make attending matches more accessible for younger supporters.
Upsides
- Match tickets serve as VRS transit passes on matchday — no extra transport cost
- Official FC-Ticketbörse guarantees face-value resale with club oversight
- Membership provides priority access before general ticket sales
- Stadium capacity of 50,000 means more ticket availability than top-tier clubs
Downsides
- Membership costs €92–€102 annually before ticket purchase
- Secondary market prices can reach €210+ for high-demand fixtures
- Official price categories not published in English for 2025–26 season
- Exact squad composition for 2025–26 requires checking multiple sources
1. FC Köln is a traditional club with a passionate fanbase.
— 1. FC Köln official website
The club was formed in 1948 by the merger of Kölner BC and SpVgg Sülz 07.
— Wikipedia – 1. FC Köln
For international supporters, the combination of affordable membership, included transit, and a manageable stadium capacity makes 1. FC Köln a relatively accessible Bundesliga experience compared to clubs like Bayern München or Borussia Dortmund. The goat mascot, the post-war founding story, and the club’s continued fan ownership give it a cultural texture that pure commercial clubs lack.
fc.de, rheinenergiestadion.de, rheinenergiestadion.de, ozcurrently.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of 1. FC Köln?
1. FC Köln was founded on 13 February 1948 from the merger of Kölner BC and SpVgg Sülz 07. The club won the German championship in 1962, 1964, and 1978, and claimed the DFB-Pokal in 1968, 1977, and 1983. It operates as a fan-owned Verein, with members holding voting rights on key club decisions.
Who are FC Köln’s biggest rivals?
The club’s primary rival is Bayer Leverkusen, with whom it shares the Rhine region. Matches between the two sides — known as the Rheinland Derby — typically generate the highest ticket demand and atmosphere at RheinEnergieSTADION.
How many Bundesliga titles has FC Köln won?
1. FC Köln has won three German Bundesliga titles: in 1962, 1964, and 1978. The club’s most recent league championship came nearly five decades ago, though it remains a prominent fixture in Germany’s top football division.
What is the capacity of the RheinEnergieSTADION?
RheinEnergieSTADION holds approximately 50,000 spectators for club matches such as Bundesliga fixtures. For international games, capacity is reduced to 45,965 due to terracing restrictions under UEFA regulations.
How can I become a member of FC Köln?
Adult membership costs €92 per year and can be purchased through fc.de/en/club/membership. Combined membership with the Fan-Projekt 1. FC Köln 1991 e.V. is available for €102 annually. Members receive priority ticket access, reduced booking fees, and eligibility for away match tickets.
What is the meaning of the club’s crest?
The club crest features a shield with the letters “FC” and is decorated with the colors red and white. The goat mascot Hennes, present since 1950, is central to the club’s identity, giving rise to the nickname “Die Geißböcke” (The Goats).
Who is the club’s top scorer of all time?
Historical records identify the club’s all-time leading scorers through official Bundesliga statistics. For current and complete career totals, consult the DFB Datencenter or Transfermarkt, which track official competition records.
How do I get to the stadium?
Take tram lines 1 or 7 (KVB) or S-Bahn lines S12 or S19 to reach RheinEnergieSTADION. Your match ticket serves as a valid transit pass on KVB buses, trams, and trains within the VRS network on matchday. By car, use exits from the A1/A4 motorway ring and follow stadium signage to designated car parks (P1–P8).
For fans planning a visit, the practical details matter most: buy tickets through fc.de or the FC-Ticketbörse, use your match ticket for transit, and arrive early to avoid congestion. The goat mascot, the red-and-white colors, and the post-war club history give 1. FC Köln a character that pure commercial enterprises struggle to manufacture.
Related reading on German Bundesliga clubs: VfB Stuttgart Transfergerüchte Zugänge 2026 and BVB Meister: Alle Titeljahre von Borussia Dortmund im Überblick.
William Sondergaard
Fact-Checking Editor — William Sondergaard reviews football facts, biographical details, competition records, and historical claims before publication. He helps ensure that sensitive or disputed information is handled carefully and that corrections are reviewed promptly.