Why did Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany put a cockatoo on the Meisterschale plinth?

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany left spectators scratching their heads during the club's title-winning celebrations on Saturday evening when he placed a cockatoo on the plinth holding the Meisterschale.

Bayern wrapped up the 2024/25 title on Matchday 32 after Bayer Leverkusen's 2-2 draw at Freiburg left Xabi Alonso's defending champions unable to catch Bayern, but as Kompany's side had played the previous day, official celebrations were postponed until Matchday 33.

There was a party atmosphere at the Allianz Arena as Bayern beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0, bade farewell to departing club legend Thomas Müller and received the Meisterschale.

Which is when Kompany caused confusion by placing a porcelain cockatoo on the plinth as he took the Meisterschale trophy.

Was it a message? Some hidden meaning?

Bayern and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, commentating on the game for German broadcaster sky.de, found out the answer.

"The cockatoo was taken from a pub during the players' party last Sunday," he revealed. "They all liked it so much that they now have it as their mascot."

The 64-year-old was not about to say who had taken the bird, however. 

"I definitely didn't pinch it," said Jonas Urbig, while Jamal Musiala claimed, "it's the first time I'm seeing it."

Regardless, Kompany has since promised that the cockatoo will be returned to it's rightful owners. 

Mystery solved!

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