Union Berlin on FM26 - Germany's Most Romantic Club
In 2009: fans renovate the stadium WITH THEIR OWN HANDS to avoid closure. In 2019: PROMOTION TO THE BUNDESLIGA for the first time in history. Stadion An der Alten Försterei (22,012 seats, 80% STANDING — Germany record) will expand to 40,500. 'Alte Förster' — the Köpenick woodcutters defy the billionaires.
Why choose Union Berlin?
Because Union Berlin is THE MOST ROMANTIC CLUB IN WORLD FOOTBALL. In 2009, the coffers are empty and the Stadion An der Alten Försterei faces closure. What do the supporters do? 2,300 of them come VOLUNTARILY to renovate their stadium — masonry, painting, construction work. Result: the stadium is saved, and that moment DEFINES the club's identity forever. In 2019: promotion to the Bundesliga for the FIRST TIME in history — the stadium erupts with joy. Every December, supporters bring candles and sing Christmas carols by candlelight in the stadium — a unique tradition anywhere in the world. The Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Köpenick (22,012 seats, 80% STANDING — record for Germany's three top divisions) will expand to 40,500 (works announced summer 2026). Around 11th in Bundesliga 2025-26. Max Kruse, Christopher Trimmel — the popular heroes. In FM26, choosing Union Berlin means choosing THE SOUL OF FOOTBALL over money.
The unique identity: the Köpenick woodcutters
Union Berlin was born in Köpenick, a working-class district of East Berlin (former GDR). The club survived the communist regime with this popular resistance identity. In FM26, respect this identity: players who commit, a united community, no spiritless mercenaries. Max Kruse embodies this spirit — recruit from this DNA.
Tactics: solid and compact
Union Berlin plays pragmatic, organized football — solid defense, quick transitions, and an 80% standing stadium that drives everything. In FM26, build a cohesive team with an impeccable defensive organization. With 40,500 seats coming, the stadium will become an even more intimidating fortress.
Objectives: survive and grow
Maintain Bundesliga status (absolute priority — falling to D2 would be devastating). Target the Europa Conference League to start. Long term: Europa League and maybe even the Champions League — that's a working-class Köpenick neighborhood club's DREAM of becoming great.
Union Berlin is the CANDLES at Christmas, the 2,300 fans renovating the stadium, the Bundesliga after 110 years of waiting. In FM26, this is the most HUMAN adventure in European football. Eisern Union!