Schalke 04, officially known as FC Schalke 04, is a professional football club based in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Here are some key details about the club:
History
- Foundation: Schalke 04 was founded in 1904 as Westfalia Schalke. The name was changed to Schalke 04 in 1924.
- Golden Era: During the 1930s and 1940s, Schalke 04 experienced a golden era, winning the German championship multiple times, particularly in the years 1934, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1940, and 1942.
- Post-War: After World War II, the club struggled but managed to win the German championship again in 1958.
- Modern Era: In the Bundesliga era, Schalke 04 has been a regular competitor, with notable success in the late 1990s and early 2000s under coach Huub Stevens. They reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2011 and won the DFB-Pokal in 2001 and 2002.
Stadium
Schalke 04 plays its home games at Veltins-Arena, which has a capacity of over 62,000 spectators. This stadium, opened in 2001, is known for its retractable roof and pitch, making it versatile for various events.
Rivalries
- Revierderby: The most intense rivalry is with Borussia Dortmund, known as the Revierderby. This match is one of the most heated in German football due to the geographical proximity and historical competition between the two cities.
Club Culture
The club has a strong fan base known for their passionate support, particularly through the Knappenschmiede, the club's youth academy, which has produced many talents over the years. The fans are known for their unique chants and the visual spectacle of the "Blue Wall" (Blau-Weißer Wand).
Notable Players
Recent Performance
In recent years, Schalke 04 has faced financial difficulties and sporting challenges, including relegation to the second division, 2. Bundesliga, in the 2020-2021 season. However, they are known for their resilience and efforts to return to the top tier of German football.
External Links
See Also