The return of Bayern Munich's lucky cockatoo
During the exuberant celebrations following Bayern's capture of the 2025/26 Bundesliga title on Matchday 30, a very special mascot was given pride of place on the Allianz Arena pitch.
Once the final whistle had gone on the hosts' 4-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart, the much-awaited title party kicked off straight away inside the stadium.
The Bayern squad and coaching staff were presented with specially made championship shirts featuring a familiar-looking white cockatoo.
The bird had already been designated a lucky charm last season, when the record champions celebrated winning the title at Munich's 'Käfer' restaurant and mischievously took the porcelain figurine home with them.
The establishment's owner, Michael Käfer, subsequently presented the team with their new lucky charm, which made a comeback on Sunday.
"He already dominated last year's celebrations, and now he's had to wait a long time for us to let him out of his cage again," explained Leon Goretzka - tongue firmly in his cheek - after the match, as he carried the mascot carefully across the pitch. "But as soon as we win another trophy, he'll be allowed out to mark the moment with us."
And so the cockatoo has had its first - and memorable - outing of the season. With Bayern still very much involved in the UEFA Champions League and the DFB Cup, their lucky bird may well be flying high with them on a couple more occasions in the near future.
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