From Weimar-era glory to modern struggles, the capital's iconic club fights for revival
Introduction
Hertha BSC isn't just a football club—it's Berlin's football soul. Founded in 1892 (making them Germany's oldest capital club), Hertha has ridden a rollercoaster of pre-war dominance, Cold War isolation, Bundesliga drama, and passionate fan culture. Though recently relegated, this four-time German champion remains determined to reclaim top-flight glory.
By The Numbers
2 German Championships (1930, 1931) – Last Berlin club to win a national title
Olympiastadion – Iconic 74,000-seat home, built for the 1936 Olympics
4 Bundesliga runner-up finishes (1975 closest to modern glory)
60+ seasons in Bundesliga – Founding member in 1963
Fun fact: Named after a steamboat seen by founders on a day out!
Glory Days & Defining Eras
1920s-30s: Berlin's First Football Kings
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Back-to-back titles under coach Hans Schmidt
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Star player Hanne Sobek – 200+ goals in Hertha blue
Cold War Years (1945-1990):
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Stranded in West Berlin while city was divided
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No derbies for 40+ years due to Berlin Wall
Modern Bundesliga Era:
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1990s return: UEFA Cup runs, Champions League in 1999
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2010s yo-yo years: Relegations & promotions
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2023 relegation: Rock-bottom finish after chaotic ownership
The Berlin Derby: Hertha vs. Union
First meeting: 1990 (after Wall fell)
First Bundesliga derby: 2019 (Union’s top-flight debut)
Head-to-head: Hertha leads (21W, Union 15W)
Cultural divide: Hertha = traditional establishment vs. Union = gritty underdogs
Iconic moment: 2022 3-0 Hertha win – First derby with full crowd since COVID
Home: The Colossal Olympiastadion
Built for Nazis’ 1936 Olympics, now a protected monument
74,475 capacity – Germany’s 2nd-largest football stadium
Hosted 2006 World Cup final, 2015 Champions League final
Problem: Often feels too big for Hertha’s average crowds (~49,000)
Future plans: Long-term dream of a 60,000-seat football-specific arena
Fan Culture & Anthems
"Nur nach Hause" – Pre-match anthem by Frank Zander (since 1987)
Ostkurve ultras – Among Germany’s most passionate supporter groups
Global fan clubs – From NYC to Tokyo, united by Berlin pride
Unique tradition: Blue-and-white confetti storms for big games
Crisis & Hope: The 2020s Rebuild
📉 2023 relegation: Worst Bundesliga season ever (22 losses)
💸 Financial woes: Investor Lars Windhorst’s €374M gamble failed
🔄 New strategy: Focus on youth academy (produces like Maximilian Mittelstädt)
2024 outlook: Strong 2. Bundesliga start – pushing for immediate return
Legendary Players
Michael Preetz – 1990s goal machine (93 goals)
Arne Friedrich – Captain and defensive rock (2002-10)
Pal Dárdai – Player, coach, and club icon (Hungarian midfield general)
Current star: Dodi Lukébakio – Electric winger
Why Hertha Still Matters
Only Berlin club to win a national title
Developed World Cup winners (Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira)
Unmatched history in a football-mad city
"Hertha IS Berlin football. Even when we fall, we rise." – Club motto
The Road Back to Bundesliga
Next big match: vs. Hamburg (promotion six-pointer)
Target: Return to top flight by 2025
How to support: Watch on Sky Sport, visit Olympiastadion, or join a fan club
Final Thought:
Hertha BSC embodies Berlin’s spirit—resilient, proud, and forever fighting. Whether in Bundesliga or 2. Liga, the blue-and-whites remain the heartbeat of German capital football.
