St. Pauli

This book chronicles the remarkable history of St. Pauli, a football club that embodies community values and resistance against discrimination.

The narrative unfolds from the era of German unification to the establishment of the Bundesliga and beyond, chronicling the history of FC St. Pauli, a football club with a unique identity and a renowned left-wing fan base. This book dives deep into the club's rich history, illustrating how it has become a symbol of resistance and community engagement in the world of sports.

FC St. Pauli stands apart from traditional football clubs, intertwining music, sport, and politics. Its supporters are known for their progressive values, welcoming refugees and opposing fascism while standing firmly against discrimination. The book reveals the stories behind the iconic skull and crossbones emblem, showcasing how this football club has rewritten the conventional rules of the game and created a vibrant culture that extends beyond the pitch.

Emerging from Hamburg's red-light district, FC St. Pauli's journey has been shaped by the political climate of the streets. Celebrations of promotions and mourning relegations occur alongside social struggles and protests against oppression. The club, once supported by a small DIY punk community in the 1980s, now attracts nearly 30,000 fans at each game, demonstrating its global appeal and the power of collective action in a world increasingly dominated by corporate interests. St. Pauli exemplifies the possibility of a different kind of football, one rooted in community and solidarity.