Bayern Munich began their summer schedule with a 15-0 victory over eighth-tier Rotan Eggen – but it was the amateur club’s decision to substitute on their long-serving treasurer that stole the spotlight.
The German champions faced Rotan Eggen, who play in the eighth division of German football, in a one-sided friendly that quickly turned into a goal glut for the visitors.
Alexander Pavlovic, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Felipe Chavez, Maicon Cardoso, Armindo Sieb and Bastian Asomo each scored twice for Bayern, accounting for 12 of the 15 goals.
Joao Palhinha, Joshua Kimmich and Skender Nuray were also on the scoresheet, completing the emphatic win.
Treasuer-turned-substitute takes the field
Despite the heavy defeat, Rotan Eggen drew widespread attention for an unusual moment late in the game.
According to UK newspaper The Sun, the lower-league side brought on their club treasurer as a substitute in the 79th minute of the friendly, creating one of the most talked-about images of the match.
Reports said the treasurer, who also works as a police officer, has been associated with the club since 2002. He stepped onto the pitch wearing Rotan Eggen’s colours and sporting a distinctive traditional moustache that quickly caught the eye of spectators.
The incident was described as highly uncommon in a fixture against one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.
Social media hails ‘real grassroots football’
Footage and images of the treasurer’s cameo circulated widely online, with football fans reacting with a mix of amusement and admiration for the gesture.
One supporter wrote: “The Bayern players must have been utterly baffled,” reflecting the surreal nature of facing a club official in a professional-standard match.
Another fan posted: “This man is about to have the best highlight of his football career even if he doesn’t touch the ball,” underlining the significance of simply sharing a pitch with Bayern’s stars.
A third comment read: “This is real grassroots football. One moment you’re in charge of the accounts books, the next you’re coming on as a substitute against Bayern Munich.”
Another fan praised the story behind the appearance, saying: “Honestly, I think it’s absolutely brilliant… the man has been with the club for 26 years, and he can now say he played against Bayern Munich.”
The match will be remembered less for the scoreline – a routine pre-season rout for Bayern – and more for a moment that encapsulated the romance and spontaneity of lower-league football, as an amateur club gave one of their longest-serving members a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
