After their 4-2 win against VfB Stuttgart, FC Bayern not only celebrated their 35th German championship – they also revived a very special tradition. Right in the middle of it all: a small cockatoo figure that has long enjoyed cult status within the team
Leon Goretzka in particular caused a stir when he presented the porcelain bird during the celebrations in the Allianz Arena. The cockatoo was already an integral part of the championship party last year – and was now allowed to join in again
For the Bayern professionals, the bird is far more than just a curious accessory: „It already dominated last year’s celebrations and has now had to wait a long time for us to let it out of its cage again,“ Goretzka explained to DAZN after the game
The rule is clear: only when titles are won is the cockatoo allowed back out into the daylight – and to celebrate with the team
When asked about his special „skills“, Goretzka responded with a wink: „He drinks champagne first and foremost.“ However, the midfielder did not want to reveal exactly which brand
Origin in the Munich Beetle
The story of the cockatoo began rather by chance. During the championship celebrations last year, Bayern players discovered the figurine in Munich’s gourmet restaurant „Käfer“, where it was part of the decorations. The team spontaneously took the bird with them – and quickly made it their mascot
By the time Vincent Kompany placed the cockatoo next to the championship trophy, it was clear that this object had the potential to become a cult object
Cockatoo travels with the team
The porcelain bird gained its final status as a lucky charm when it even accompanied the team to the Club World Cup in the USA. A special box was organized for the transport – a detail that shows how important the figurine has become to the team
Further titles in sight
Whether the cockatoo will be used more often this season remains to be seen in the coming weeks, with two major goals still on the agenda for Bayern: the DFB Cup semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen and the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain
One thing is certain, however: if the next title follows, the Kakadu will be right at the top again.