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Hong Kong has some big plans for local football fans this year. Following the announcement of the six-month FIFA Museum opening in Causeway Bay this May, two of Europe’s legendary football clubs – FC Bayern Munich and Aston Villa – have recently confirmed they will be playing in the city this summer.
Set to face off at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 7, the fixture marks a significant return for both teams. The reigning German champions FC Bayern last set foot on a Hong Kong pitch in 2007, while seven-time FA Cup winners Aston Villa will be returning to Hong Kong after 15 long years.
This Hong Kong stop serves as the second leg of FC Bayern’s 10th Audi Summer Tour. The team will first touch down on the South Korean island of Jeju to take on Jeju SK FC on August 4, before flying into Hong Kong for their friendly match with Villa. According to the club, the decision to return to Hong Kong was driven by the region’s massive following, with over half of Bayern’s billion-strong global fanbase located in Asia. As for Aston Villa, the English club has hinted that further fixtures in the region may be announced soon.
Fans can expect to see the full Bayern team led by head coach Vincent Kompany, with the presence of England captain Harry Kane and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to draw a sell-out crowd. The match may also be a significant one for the team’s South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, as some recent reports suggest the club may be open to a transfer following the tour.
The official announcement has already sparked plenty of anticipation for Hong Kong footie fans, though specific ticketing details and prices are being kept under wraps for now. Further information is expected to be released at a later date, including arrangements for potential public training sessions and other fan activities – so keep your eyes peeled for updates!
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