The scent of old fabric, a hint of faded glory, and the unspoken stories of countless matches – this is the atmosphere that awaits visitors at ‘Trikot Passion,’ a unique pop-up store for vintage football jerseys in Munich. Located at Blutenburgstraße 50, this temporary haven for football enthusiasts is the brainchild of five 20-year-old friends: Jannis Beuthien, Florian Linnemann, Nicolas Breitfeld, Karl Gattinger, and Len Evers. For just three days, from Thursday to Saturday, April 23rd to 25th, they are bringing their passion for football history to life, offering collectors’ items at prices that won’t break the bank.
More Than Just a Jersey: A Dive into Football History
For many, a football jersey is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a tangible link to cherished memories, legendary players, and iconic moments in the sport’s history. Yet, as Karl Gattinger, one of the founders, experienced, acquiring these nostalgic treasures can often come with an exorbitant price tag. “When I was a kid, jerseys had an unimaginable emotional value. They were only for Christmas or birthdays, and it was always something special,” he recalls. His frustration with overpriced vintage jerseys, like the 180-euro 90s kits he saw at the ‘FC Bayern World,’ sparked the idea for ‘Trikot Passion.’
The friends’ mission is clear: to offer high-quality vintage jerseys at affordable prices, ranging from 29 to 109 euros. “Students are more likely to spend 50 euros on a cool vintage jersey than 200 for one from the 70s,” Gattinger explains, highlighting their target audience and their commitment to accessibility.
The Hunt for Hidden Gems: A Collection Built on Passion
The journey to curate their impressive collection was a labor of love, involving countless hours of research and numerous trips to the Munich countryside. Over the past few months, the five friends have amassed approximately 560 jerseys and 150 jackets and tracksuits from various countries and decades. Each item tells its own story, from the faded number 4 of Inter Milan legend Javier Zanetti – a jersey that will be available for 69 euros after a careful restoration – to the iconic light blue kit of World Champion goalkeeper Sepp Maier.
The pop-up store itself found its home in an unexpected location: a former pizzeria, a floor below Gattinger’s future shared apartment. This serendipitous discovery allowed them to secure a temporary space, albeit for a short duration. “It’s not like we’re stopping completely afterwards,” says Len Evers, emphasizing their long-term vision. “We are currently building a foundation. The effort for the next times will be significantly less. But it’s worth it to us. It’s also fun. You realize: opening a shop is more than just selling jerseys. We’ve managed that well so far, and we’re growing as a group. And so many moments are created before the opening.”
A Star Guest and a Community Hub
The grand opening on Thursday at 6 PM promises to be a memorable event, with a very special guest gracing the occasion: Sepp Maier, the 1974 World Cup-winning goalkeeper. At 82 years old, Maier embodies the very essence of vintage football, and his presence is a testament to the passion and dedication of the ‘Trikot Passion’ team. His appearance was arranged through Gattinger’s mother, who works at the FC Bayern Museum. Maier’s simple response to the invitation – “Yes, we can do that” – perfectly captures the unpretentious spirit of this project.
Beyond the allure of rare jerseys and the presence of a football legend, ‘Trikot Passion’ aims to be a gathering place for like-minded individuals. “We don’t want an online shop,” states Jannis Beuthien. “We are all very social people and want this coming together. Besides, you have to hold a jersey in your hand, especially vintage jerseys, as the fabrics are very different.” Evers adds, “Looking at jerseys is also an event. We want the shop to be a meeting point for people with the same interests, who can talk about football.”
From Childhood Dreams to Entrepreneurial Spirit
The story of ‘Trikot Passion’ is not just about selling jerseys; it’s about friendship, shared passion, and the realization of a dream. The five founders, all 20 years old, have known each other since first grade. They recently graduated from high school, with Florian Linnemann being the only one still finishing his studies this year. Their diverse academic paths – Beuthien studying politics, Evers and Nicolas Breitfeld studying economics, and Gattinger excelling as a competitive athlete – are united by their love for football. Gattinger and Beuthien even coach the female footballers of SC Amicitia.
The pop-up store is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and their desire to create something meaningful. As Jannis Beuthien wisely puts it, “Maybe one shouldn’t look too far into the future and plan something. We want to do this pop-up thing now, and what happens after that is after that.” For now, the focus is on these three days, on sharing their passion with the Munich community, and on giving these vintage treasures a new lease on life.
The collected gems will be on display on Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM. And who knows, perhaps a deal can be struck with the next pizzeria operator: a ‘Jersey Day’ instead of a rest day! But for now, the focus remains on the present, on the joy of sharing a passion, and on the stories woven into every stitch of these vintage football jerseys.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/muenchen-vintage-fussballtrikots-trikot-passion-pop-up-store-blutenburgstrasse-li.3470981
