Schalke 04

Schalke 04

FC Schalke 04, founded on 4 May 1904 in the working-class Ruhr Valley city of Gelsenkirchen and nicknamed Die Königsblauen (The Royal Blues) and Die Knappen (The Miners), won seven German championships — the last in 1958 — and the UEFA Cup in 1997 by defeating Inter Milan on penalties. Their modern home, the spectacular Veltins-Arena with a capacity of 62,271 and a retractable roof and movable pitch, is one of the finest stadiums in Europe and hosted the 2004 Champions League final. Schalke's academy has produced Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil, Leroy Sané, and İlkay Gündoğan, among many others. Currently competing in the 2. Bundesliga after severe financial difficulties following the loss of their Gazprom sponsorship, the club is working to return to the top flight their loyal global fanbase demands.