VfL Wolfsburg, a club with a rich history, was founded by Volkswagen factory workers in 1945. Known as "Die Wölfe" (The Wolves), they play at the modern Volkswagen Arena, which holds over 30,000 fans. Wolfsburg's colors, green and white, were chosen out of necessity when a member found green tops and wives sewed shorts from bed sheets. The club's rise to prominence includes winning the Bundesliga in 2009 and the DFB-Pokal twice. With notable players like Grafite, Edin Džeko, and Ricardo Rodriguez, Wolfsburg has made its mark in German football. Volkswagen's financial support has been crucial in their success.
Founding and Early History
VfL Wolfsburg has a fascinating origin story, rooted in the post-World War II era. Let's delve into the club's beginnings and early achievements.
- 01
Founding: VfL Wolfsburg was founded on September 12, 1945, by workers at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg. This connection to the automotive giant has been a defining feature of the club.
- 02
Initial Name: The club was initially known as "Betriebssportgemeinschaft Volkswagen Wolfsburg" (BSG Volkswagenwerk Stadt des KdF-Wagen), which translates to "Work Sport Community Volkswagen Wolfsburg."
- 03
Name Change: The club's name was changed to VfL Wolfsburg on December 15, 1945, after a crisis that almost ended its existence. The name VfL stands for Verein für Leibesübungen, meaning "club for gymnastics" or "club for exercises."
- 04
Early Success: The club captured the local Gifhorn title within a year of its founding and played a friendly against Schalke 04 in late November 1946.
Home Ground and Nicknames
The home ground and nicknames of a club often hold special significance. For Wolfsburg, these elements are deeply tied to its identity.
- 05
Home Ground: The club's home ground is the Volkswagen Arena, a modern stadium with a capacity of over 30,000 spectators. The stadium was opened in 2000 and has hosted numerous important matches, including Champions League and DFB-Pokal games.
- 06
Nicknames: VfL Wolfsburg is often referred to as "Die Wölfe" (The Wolves), a nickname that reflects the city's coat of arms, which features a wolf. The club's crest features a wolf howling at the moon, symbolizing strength, determination, and the club's connection to the city.
Colors and Promotion to Bundesliga
The club's colors and its journey to the Bundesliga are key aspects of its history.
- 07
Colors: The club's colors are green and white. The colors were chosen because sporting goods were tough to find in Germany at the time, so a club member happened upon 10 green kit tops. The wives of club members sewed shorts out of bed sheets, which are the reasons why the club’s colors became green & white.
- 08
Promotion to Bundesliga: Wolfsburg was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in 1997 after winning the 2. Bundesliga.
Major Achievements
Wolfsburg has had its share of triumphs on the field. Here are some of the club's most notable achievements.
- 09
Bundesliga Title: In 2009, Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga title for the first time in their history. The club finished the season with 87 points, four points ahead of their closest rivals, Bayern Munich.
- 10
DFB-Pokal Wins: Wolfsburg has won the DFB-Pokal twice, in 2009 and 2015. The club also won the DFL-Supercup in 2015.
- 11
UEFA Champions League Participation: Wolfsburg qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history in 2009. They came third in their group, behind Manchester United and CSKA Moscow, losing the chance for a place in the competition's successive round. As a result, they qualified for the Round of 32 phase of the UEFA Europa League.
Notable Players
Several players have left an indelible mark on Wolfsburg's history. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- 12
Notable Players: Some of the most famous players to have represented Wolfsburg include Grafite, Edin Džeko, Zvjezdan Misimović, Diego, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Max Kruse.
- 13
Grafite’s Record: Brazilian striker Grafite holds the Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season with 28 goals in the 2008-09 season.
- 14
Edin Džeko’s Achievements: Bosnian striker Edin Džeko is the club’s all-time top scorer and played for Wolfsburg from 2007 to 2011.
- 15
Zvjezdan Misimović’s Role: Bosnian midfielder Zvjezdan Misimović was a key player in Wolfsburg’s Bundesliga title-winning season in 2009.
- 16
Diego’s Contributions: Brazilian midfielder Diego played for Wolfsburg from 2009 to 2011 and helped the club win the DFB-Pokal in 2009.
- 17
Ricardo Rodriguez’s Impact: Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez played a key role in Wolfsburg’s success in the 2010s and was part of the team that won the DFB-Pokal in 2015.
- 18
Max Kruse’s Role: German forward Max Kruse helped Wolfsburg win the DFB-Pokal in 2015 and was known for his goal-scoring abilities.
Youth Academy and Managerial Success
The club's youth academy and managerial achievements have also been pivotal in its growth.
- 19
Youth Academy Success: VfL Wolfsburg has a strong youth academy that has produced several notable players, including Julian Draxler and Mario Gomez.
- 20
Managerial Success: Felix Magath led Wolfsburg to their first Bundesliga title in 2009, while Dieter Hecking led the club to the DFB-Pokal title in 2015.
Financial Support and European Competitions
Volkswagen's support and the club's participation in European competitions have been crucial for Wolfsburg.
- 21
Volkswagen’s Financial Support: Volkswagen has provided significant financial support to the club, which has been crucial for its rise to prominence. The company invested heavily in the club’s infrastructure and player development.
- 22
UEFA Intertoto Cup Participation: Wolfsburg qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup multiple times, enjoying their best run in 2003 after reaching the final against Italian side Perugia.
- 23
UEFA Cup Participation: In the 1999-2000 season, Wolfsburg gained entry to continental football for the first time, specifically the UEFA Cup, where they fell in the third round against Atlético Madrid.
- 24
Champions League Quarter-Finals: In the 2015-16 season, Wolfsburg reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League after passing through a group with Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, and PSV Eindhoven. They faced Spanish giants Real Madrid, winning the first leg on Volkswagen Arena 2-0 but losing the return leg in Santiago Bernabéu 0-3.
Notable Matches and Stadium History
Some matches and the history of their stadium are worth highlighting.
- 25
Notable Matches: Some notable matches include their victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 (6-3 aggregate) and their defeat to Fulham in the quarter-finals (3-1 aggregate).
- 26
Stadium History: The Volkswagen Arena has become one of the most modern and iconic football stadiums in Germany. It was opened in 2000 and has hosted numerous important matches, including Champions League and DFB-Pokal games.
Fan Base and Community Involvement
The club's fan base and community involvement are integral to its identity.
- 27
Fan Base: VfL Wolfsburg has a passionate fan base that supports the club through thick and thin. The fans are known for their dedication and loyalty to the team.
- 28
Community Involvement: The club is deeply involved in the local community, often participating in charity events and supporting local initiatives. This community involvement has helped strengthen the bond between the club and its fans.
Sponsorship and Future Prospects
Sponsorship and future prospects are essential for the club's continued success.
- 29
Sponsorship: Volkswagen remains the main sponsor of the club, providing significant financial support and resources to ensure the team's success both on and off the pitch.
- 30
Future Prospects: With a strong foundation and a bright future, VfL Wolfsburg continues to be a prominent force in German football. The club is consistently competing for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga and is a regular participant in European competitions.
Wolfsburg FC: A Legacy of Determination
Wolfsburg FC, founded by Volkswagen workers in 1945, has grown into a powerhouse in German football. From their humble beginnings, they’ve achieved remarkable milestones, including their first Bundesliga title in 2009 and two DFB-Pokal victories. The Volkswagen Arena stands as a testament to their progress, hosting crucial matches and passionate fans. Key players like Grafite, Edin Džeko, and Zvjezdan Misimović have left an indelible mark, while the club’s youth academy continues to produce top talent. With Volkswagen’s financial backing and a dedicated fan base, Wolfsburg remains a formidable force. Their journey from a local team to a top Bundesliga contender showcases their resilience and ambition. As they strive for more success, Wolfsburg FC’s legacy of determination and community involvement ensures they’ll continue to be a respected name in football.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.