A Cologne songwriter, his 150th birthday and a shirt full of local references: 1. FC Köln dedicate a special design to Willi Ostermann.
The notes of a 90-year-old Cologne song are now part of a football shirt. Exactly 150 years after Willi Ostermann was born, 1. FC Köln and adidas, together with the Willi Ostermann Gesellschaft, have unveiled a special-edition shirt honouring the Cologne composer, lyricist and singer.
At its heart is “Heimweh nach Köln” (“Homesick for Cologne”). The notes of the song, written in 1936, run across the dark red shirt as a pattern.
The other details also draw on Ostermann’s ties to Cologne. The colourway takes its cue from the historic frock coat of the Willi Ostermann Gesellschaft. The city’s coat of arms, the club crest and the REWE and DEVK logos all appear in gold. Added to these are Ostermann’s embroidered signature, the society’s anniversary logo and an Ostermann medal on the back of the neck.
The shirt is also the first special-edition release of the club’s new adidas era. The Herzogenaurach-based sportswear brand has supplied 1. FC Köln in the past, including during their 1977/78 double-winning season. adidas returned as the club’s official kit supplier this season.
How “Heimweh nach Köln” Became an Anthem
Born on 1 October 1876, Willi Ostermann is one of Cologne’s best-known songwriters. Over almost three decades, he wrote more than 100 songs, many of them about Cologne, Carnival and everyday life in the Rhineland.
“Heimweh nach Köln” was his last song. Ostermann wrote it in August 1936, shortly before his death. In it, he describes his longing for his hometown. After the Second World War in particular, the song grew in significance for Cologne and became an anthem of the city.
Philipp Liesenfeld, the club’s managing director for marketing and sales, said the shirt carries “Heimweh nach Köln” out into the world.
A Debut Against HSV, Then Schalke
1. FC Köln’s women wear the special-edition shirt first: on 17 October, at home to Hamburger SV at the Franz-Kremer-Stadion.
A week later, on 24 October, the men’s team follow suit. Their opponents at the RheinEnergieSTADION are FC Schalke 04.
The special-edition shirt is available in adult sizes only and comes with an exclusive Ostermann box. It is on sale at the club’s official fan shops, its online store, adidas and selected retailers.
