Historical Crests TSV 1860 München

Name: ​ TSV 1860 München

Nickname(s): Die Löwen (The Lions)

Founded: 1860

Stadium: Grünwalder Stadion (formerly Olympiastadion München for selected periods)

Capacity: ​ 15,000

TSV 1860 München Crest History

Founded in 1899, the football department of TSV 1860 München initially used a simple oval badge featuring the intertwined initials "FA 1860", representing the club's football section. The elegant black-and-white monogram reflected the graphic style of the period and established one of the earliest visual identities in Munich football.

In 1911, the club adopted the Lion of Bavaria as its central symbol for the first time. Displayed inside a simple polygonal shield above the founding year 1860, the heraldic lion reflected the club's Bavarian roots and gave rise to its enduring nickname, Die Löwen (The Lions).

A significant redesign followed in 1924, when the lion was placed within a blue-and-white diamond inspired by the Bavarian lozenges. The badge combined the club's heraldic symbol with Bavaria's traditional colours, creating one of the most distinctive crests in the club's history.

In 1934, TSV 1860 returned to a simpler shield featuring the black lion above the founding year 1860. The cleaner design remained in use throughout the Second World War and reinforced the lion as the club's unmistakable symbol.

Following the war, the club experimented with more minimalist interpretations of the lion. Between 1949 and 1952, a blue silhouette of the Bavarian lion replaced the shield entirely, while a more refined and dynamic version followed in 1952, giving the emblem a cleaner and more modern appearance during one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

In 1964, the lion returned to a shield, restoring a more traditional heraldic appearance. The simplified black-and-white design accompanied TSV 1860 München through its Bundesliga championship-winning era and remained closely associated with the club's greatest sporting achievements.

Since 1973, the club has used a refined version of the historic shield. The black Bavarian lion once again occupies the centre of the badge alongside the elegant intertwined "60" monogram, with the founding year prominently displayed beneath. Although minor refinements have been made to the proportions and typography over the decades, the overall design has remained remarkably consistent.

The current crest represents more than a century of tradition. Featuring the iconic Bavarian Lion, the historic 1860 inscription and the classic shield shape, it successfully combines the club's regional heritage with one of the most recognisable identities in German football. Throughout every redesign, the lion has remained the enduring symbol of TSV 1860 München, reflecting the club's proud Bavarian roots and long-standing football tradition.

TSV 1860 München Club History

Founded in 1860 as Turnverein München von 1860, TSV 1860 München is one of Germany's oldest sporting clubs. Football was introduced in 1899, and the club quickly established itself as one of the pioneers of the game in southern Germany. During the early decades of the twentieth century, 1860 became a regular contender in regional competitions, laying the foundations for a proud footballing tradition in Munich.

The club enjoyed considerable success before the Second World War, winning several Southern German Championships and reaching the German Championship Final in 1931, where it was defeated by Hertha BSC. Five years later, TSV 1860 München captured its first major national honour by winning the Tschammerpokal (the predecessor of the DFB-Pokal) in 1942, defeating Schalke 04 in the final.

Following the war, 1860 re-established itself as one of West Germany's strongest clubs. The arrival of legendary coach Max Merkel ushered in the most successful era in the club's history. After winning the DFB-Pokal in 1964, the Lions reached the European Cup Winners' Cup Final in 1965, narrowly losing to West Ham United at Wembley Stadium. One year later, TSV 1860 München won its first and only German Championship, lifting the Bundesliga title in 1966 after edging Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the season.

As one of the 16 founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963, 1860 initially established itself among Germany's elite. However, following relegation in 1970, the club entered a prolonged period of instability, moving between the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga and lower divisions. Financial difficulties repeatedly hampered sustained success despite the club's large support and rich tradition.

The Lions returned to the Bundesliga in 1994 under coach Werner Lorant, beginning an eleven-year stay in the top flight. During this period, the club qualified for the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after finishing fourth in the 1999–2000 Bundesliga, marking one of its greatest achievements of the modern era. For several seasons, Munich hosted the famous Munich Derby between TSV 1860 and FC Bayern München, with both clubs sharing the Olympiastadion.

Relegation from the Bundesliga in 2004 marked the beginning of another difficult chapter. Financial problems culminated in 2017, when the club was relegated from the 2. Bundesliga and, after failing to obtain a licence, was forced to restart in the Regionalliga Bayern. Despite the setback, 1860 secured immediate promotion back to the 3. Liga in 2018, where it has since remained a competitive force while working to restore long-term stability.

The club's fiercest rivalry is with FC Bayern München in the Munich Derby, one of Germany's oldest and most famous local rivalries. Matches against 1. FC Nürnberg, SpVgg Greuther Fürth and FC Augsburg also carry significant regional importance. Although its greatest successes belong to an earlier era, TSV 1860 München remains one of Germany's most historic and passionately supported traditional clubs.

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