# 1. FC Köln

> German football club based in Cologne, in North Rhine-Westphalia

**Wikidata**: [Q104770](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104770)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1._FC_Köln)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/1-fc-koln

## Summary
1. FC Köln is a German association football club based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, founded on February 13, 1948. It is one of Germany's most prominent football clubs, known for its passionate fanbase, historic achievements, and deep roots in the local community.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: February 13, 1948, in Cologne, Germany.
- **Legal Form**: Registered association (eingetragener Verein).
- **Official Name**: 1. Fußball-Club Köln 01/07 e. V.
- **Home Venue**: RheinEnergieStadion, located in Cologne.
- **Colors**: Red and white.
- **Mascot**: Billygoat Hennes.
- **Nicknames**: Effzeh, Die Geißböcke.
- **Current CEO**: Thomas Kessler (since May 5, 2025).
- **Current Head Coach**: René Wagner (since March 23, 2026).
- **Current Team Captain**: Marvin Schwäbe (since August 14, 2025).
- **Membership**: Over 160,000 members as of January 17, 2026.
- **Sponsor**: REWE, a German supermarket chain.
- **Women's Team**: Founded in 2009.
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@fckoeln, @fckoeln_en), Instagram (@fckoeln), Facebook (FCKoeln), YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
- **League Participation**: Competes in the Bundesliga (as of 2025) and has previously played in the 2. Bundesliga.
- **UEFA Team ID**: 50018.
- **Transfermarkt Team ID**: 3.
- **Website**: [fc.de](https://fc.de/) (available in German and English).

## FAQs

### What is the history of 1. FC Köln?
1. FC Köln was founded on February 13, 1948, following the merger of two local clubs, Kölner BC 01 and SpVgg Sülz 07. The club has a rich history in German football, with notable achievements including multiple Bundesliga titles and DFB-Pokal victories.

### Who are some notable figures associated with 1. FC Köln?
Key figures include former CEO Armin Veh (2017–2019), former head coach Steffen Baumgart (2021–2023), and current team captain Marvin Schwäbe. Other notable players and managers include Horst Heldt, Thomas Kessler, and Jonas Hector.

### What is the significance of the mascot, Billygoat Hennes?
Billygoat Hennes is the official mascot of 1. FC Köln, symbolizing the club's nickname "Die Geißböcke" (The Billy Goats). The mascot is a beloved figure among fans and represents the club's identity and spirit.

### How large is the fanbase of 1. FC Köln?
As of January 17, 2026, 1. FC Köln has over 160,000 members, making it one of the largest football clubs in Germany by membership. The club also has a significant following on social media, with over 654,420 followers on Twitter as of February 8, 2023.

### What are the official colors and logo of 1. FC Köln?
The official colors of 1. FC Köln are red and white. The club's logo, introduced in July 2014, features a stylized goat and the club's initials.

### What is the home venue of 1. FC Köln?
The home venue of 1. FC Köln is the RheinEnergieStadion, located in Cologne. The stadium is owned by the club and has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators.

### What leagues has 1. FC Köln competed in?
1. FC Köln has competed in the Bundesliga, Germany's top football league, and the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of German football. As of 2025, the club is competing in the Bundesliga.

### What is the relationship between 1. FC Köln and REWE?
REWE, a German supermarket chain, is the main sponsor of 1. FC Köln. The partnership includes branding on the club's jerseys and other promotional activities.

### What is the women's team of 1. FC Köln?
The women's football section of 1. FC Köln was founded in 2009. The team competes in various women's football leagues and is an integral part of the club's structure.

### How can I follow 1. FC Köln on social media?
1. FC Köln is active on multiple social media platforms, including Twitter (@fckoeln, @fckoeln_en), Instagram (@fckoeln), Facebook (FCKoeln), YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. The club also has a SoundCloud account (@fckoeln).

## Why It Matters
1. FC Köln is a cornerstone of German football, representing the city of Cologne with pride and passion. The club's rich history, dedicated fanbase, and community involvement make it a significant cultural and sporting institution in Germany. Its success on the field and its role in promoting football at all levels, including through its women's team, highlight its importance in the broader football ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Historic Achievements**: Multiple Bundesliga titles and DFB-Pokal victories.
- **Large Membership**: Over 160,000 members as of 2026, one of the largest in Germany.
- **Passionate Fanbase**: Known for its loyal and vocal supporters.
- **Community Involvement**: Active in local and national football development.
- **Women's Football**: Strong women's team founded in 2009.
- **Iconic Mascot**: Billygoat Hennes, a symbol of the club's identity.
- **Modern Stadium**: RheinEnergieStadion, a state-of-the-art venue.
- **Social Media Presence**: Active and engaged following on multiple platforms.

## Body

### History
1. FC Köln was founded on February 13, 1948, through the merger of two local clubs, Kölner BC 01 and SpVgg Sülz 07. The club quickly established itself as a prominent force in German football, achieving success in the Bundesliga and other competitions. Over the years, 1. FC Köln has become known for its passionate fanbase and deep roots in the Cologne community.

### Leadership and Management
The club has seen several notable figures in leadership roles. Armin Veh served as CEO from December 11, 2017, to November 8, 2019. Horst Heldt took over as CEO from November 19, 2019, to May 30, 2021. Christian Keller served as CEO from April 1, 2022, to May 4, 2025. Thomas Kessler is the current CEO, having taken over on May 5, 2025.

Head coaches have included Markus Anfang (2018–2019), Achim Beierlorzer (2019), André Pawlak (2019), Markus Gisdol (2019–2021), Friedhelm Funkel (2021, 2025), Steffen Baumgart (2021–2023), Timo Schultz (2024), Gerhard Struber (2024–2025), Lukas Kwasniok (2025), and René Wagner (since March 23, 2026).

### Team Captains
The team captains of 1. FC Köln have included Matthias Lehmann (until 2018), Jonas Hector (2018–2023), Florian Kainz (2023–2024), Timo Hübers (2024–2025), and Marvin Schwäbe (since August 14, 2025).

### Membership and Fanbase
1. FC Köln has a large and dedicated fanbase. As of January 17, 2026, the club has over 160,000 members, making it one of the largest football clubs in Germany by membership. The club's social media presence is also significant, with over 654,420 followers on Twitter as of February 8, 2023, and over 110,000 subscribers on YouTube as of March 1, 2025.

### Home Venue
The home venue of 1. FC Köln is the RheinEnergieStadion, located in Cologne. The stadium is owned by the club and has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators. It is a modern and well-equipped venue that hosts both domestic and international matches.

### Sponsorship and Partnerships
REWE, a German supermarket chain, is the main sponsor of 1. FC Köln. The partnership includes branding on the club's jerseys and other promotional activities. This sponsorship is a significant source of revenue for the club and helps support its operations and development.

### Women's Football
The women's football section of 1. FC Köln was founded in 2009. The team competes in various women's football leagues and is an integral part of the club's structure. The women's team has contributed to the club's overall success and has helped promote women's football in Germany.

### Social Media and Online Presence
1. FC Köln is active on multiple social media platforms, including Twitter (@fckoeln, @fckoeln_en), Instagram (@fckoeln), Facebook (FCKoeln), YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp. The club also has a SoundCloud account (@fckoeln) and a GIPHY username (@fckoeln). These platforms allow the club to engage with fans, share updates, and promote its activities.

### Official Colors and Logo
The official colors of 1. FC Köln are red and white. The club's logo, introduced in July 2014, features a stylized goat and the club's initials. The logo is a key part of the club's identity and is used on jerseys, merchandise, and other branding materials.

### Mascot and Nicknames
The official mascot of 1. FC Köln is Billygoat Hennes, symbolizing the club's nickname "Die Geißböcke" (The Billy Goats). The mascot is a beloved figure among fans and represents the club's identity and spirit. The club is also commonly referred to as "Effzeh," a nickname derived from the German pronunciation of "FC."

### League Participation
1. FC Köln has competed in the Bundesliga, Germany's top football league, and the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of German football. As of 2025, the club is competing in the Bundesliga. The club's participation in these leagues highlights its competitive standing and its role in German football.

### Community and Cultural Impact
1. FC Köln is deeply rooted in the Cologne community and plays a significant role in the city's cultural and sporting life. The club's large membership and passionate fanbase reflect its importance to the local community. The club is also involved in various community initiatives and promotes football at all levels, including through its women's team.

### Notable Achievements
1. FC Köln has achieved significant success in German football, including multiple Bundesliga titles and DFB-Pokal victories. These achievements have cemented the club's status as one of Germany's most prominent football clubs and have contributed to its rich history and legacy.

### Related Entities
1. FC Köln is associated with several related entities, including its women's team, youth academy, and various partnerships and sponsorships. The club is also a member of the Bundesliga and other football organizations, highlighting its role in the broader football ecosystem.

### Online Resources
The official website of 1. FC Köln is [fc.de](https://fc.de/), available in German and English. The club also has a presence on various social media platforms and other online resources, providing fans with access to news, updates, and other information.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.t-online.de/region/koeln/lokalsport/id_89831442/friedhelm-funkel-wird-fc-koeln-trainer-was-hinter-seiner-rueckkehr-steckt.html)
3. [Source](https://fumsmagazin.de/steffen-baumgart-wird-neuer-trainer-beim-1-fc-koeln/)
4. [Source](https://www.n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/sport/Timo-Schultz-Bin-sicher-kein-Steffen-Baumgart-2-0-article24639853.html)
5. [Source](https://www.transfermarkt.com/1-fc-koln/mitarbeiterhistorie/verein/3)
6. [Source](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-rettet-friedhelm-funkel-mit-71-den-fc-aufstieg-681858d21840940b9542c79e)
7. [Source](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Le-fc-cologne-promu-en-bundesliga-cette-saison-a-designe-son-nouveau-coach/1568084)
8. [Source](https://fc.de/aktuelles/news/fc-stellt-lukas-kwasniok-frei-rene-wagner-uebernimmt)
9. [Source](https://geissblog.koeln/2018/07/neuer-kapitaen-hector-loest-lehmann-beim-effzeh-ab/)
10. [Source](https://www.ksta.de/sport/1-fc-koeln/1-fc-koeln-florian-kainz-zum-neuen-kapitaen-ernannt-619133)
11. [Source](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/kainz-offiziell-abgeloest-1-fc-koeln-verkuendet-neuen-kapitaen-1-834783)
12. [Source](https://www1.wdr.de/sport/fussball/erste-bundesliga/koeln-kapitaen-schwaebe-100.html)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. BBC Things
15. [Source](https://geissblog.koeln/2017/09/magische-grenze-geknackt-fc-hat-100-000-mitglieder/)
16. [Source](https://fc.de/fc-info/startseite/)
17. [Source](https://fc.de/aktuelles/news/fc-hat-140-000-mitglieder)
18. [Source](https://www.n-tv.de/regionales/nordrhein-westfalen/Meilenstein-1-FC-Koeln-knackt-155-000-Mitglieder-article26060880.html)
19. [Source](https://fc.de/aktuelles/news/fc-familie-waechst-auf-160-000-mitglieder)
20. Google Knowledge Graph
21. Quora
22. [Source](https://www.tz.de/thema/berlinale-ere25793/)
23. [Source](https://www.tz.de/sport/fussball/fc-koeln-gruendung-stadion-erfolge-trainer-vereinsfarben-maskottchen-13832179.html)
24. [Source](https://fc.de/)
25. YouTube API