Bayern Munich, the leader of the German football league, announced today, Sunday, the achievement of a new annual revenue record of 978.3 million euros (1.13 billion dollars), and the re-election of its president, Herbert Hainer, to a third three-year term. The announcement was made during the club's general assembly. The club's revenue for the 2024-2025 season increased by 2.8% compared to the previous season (978.3 million euros versus 951.5 million euros). The club achieved a profit of 27.1 million euros, down from 43.1 million euros in the 2023-2024 season and 35.7 million euros in the preceding season. The club's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, stated: "Despite the tough times and a highly dynamic transfer market, we have once again achieved record revenues and a strong profit." He added, "This demonstrates the exceptional strength and resilience of our club. That is why I also say: 'Dear Dayo Upamecano, I invite you to do the same.'" Upamecano joined Bayern Munich at the end of 2021 from Leipzig on an initial five-season contract set to expire this June. The 27-year-old defender (34 international matches) has become a cornerstone of the Bavarian club's defense, and he praises the work of his coach, Compani, who was also a defender and had his contract extended two weeks until the summer of 2029. At the general assembly, Hainer spoke about the many contracts the club has extended with its players, including international midfielder Jamal Musiala, and urged his French defender, Dayo Upamecano, to extend his contract with the club. He added, "A year ago in this place, I expressed my hope that Bayern Munich would keep Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and (Canadian) Alphonso Davis. The club's management made this request, and now Bayern can continue to build with these three players." Musiala (22) and Davis (25) are now tied to Bayern Munich until 2030, one season longer than Kimmich (30). He continued to applause from those present in the hall: "These three contract extensions, along with the extension of (Belgian coach) Vincent Kompany's contract, are a sign that something big is happening at Bayern. We are not fickle, Bayern Munich is stable." The defending champion of last season also announced that its membership has reached 432,500, the highest in the club's history and a world record, surpassing Portuguese Benfica's 400,000 members. Hainer was re-elected unopposed, receiving the support of the vast majority of voting members. With a few exceptions, German football clubs are required to adhere to the so-called '50+1 rule,' which obligates members to retain a controlling stake in the club. This rule ensures member and fan control over clubs and prevents outside investors from gaining a majority of the votes. Hainer, former CEO of Adidas, succeeded Uli Hoeness as president of Bayern Munich in November 2019 and was re-elected for the first time in November 2022.
