fc.koeln.fanclub.brasil

Official fan club of 1. FC Cologne in Brazil

Hennes

The living legend of 1. FC Köln

In German football, there are many mascots – some are costumed figures, others are just symbols or logos. But no mascot is as unique and steeped in tradition as Hennes, the billy goat of 1. FC Köln. For more than 70 years, a living billy goat has accompanied the club and is far more than just a mascot: he is the symbol of identity, passion, and the close connection between the FC and the city of Cologne.

This extraordinary story began in the 1950s and continues to this day. Generations of fans have cheered, suffered, and celebrated with "their" Hennes. But who was the first Hennes? Where does he live today? And why is this billy goat so special to the FC and its supporters?

The story of Hennes begins with a mixture of carnival, humor, and football, typical for Cologne. In 1950, a large carnival session took place in Cologne, attended by some representatives of the then still young 1. FC Köln. The club had only been founded in 1948 and was looking for a strong identity that would set it apart from other clubs.

The well-known circus director Carola Williams, who ran the famous Circus Williams with her family, was also present at this event. She spontaneously decided to give the FC a special gift: a living billy goat.

The billy goat was ceremoniously handed over to the club and quickly received a name: Hennes, named after the then player-coach Hennes Weisweiler, who would later go down in history as one of the greatest coaches in German football.

From that moment on, Hennes was no longer just a mascot – he became the symbol of the club. The billy goat regularly accompanied the team to games, and the fans immediately took him to their hearts. Soon, Hennes I was a fixture in the football world.

A legendary moment in his time was the German Championship in 1962, when 1. FC Köln won the title for the first time. Of course, Hennes was on the sidelines and was celebrated with the team.

Hennes I lived until 1966 and was revered as the FC's mascot until his death. But his legacy lived on – and thus began the tradition of Hennes' successors.

After the death of Hennes I, it quickly became clear: 1. FC Köln needed a new billy goat! Thus, Hennes II was introduced, and the tradition continued.

Each new Hennes was ceremoniously presented and took over the role of his predecessor. Hennes VIII, who was in office from 2008 to 2019, achieved particular fame. He was the first Bundesliga mascot with his own social media account. His Twitter profile caused enthusiasm with humorous posts – a real internet star!

Since 2019, Hennes IX has been in office, and he also faithfully accompanies the FC through thick and thin.

In the early years of the club, Hennes often lived directly on the club's grounds or in the FC's office. But over time, it became clear that a billy goat should be kept in a species-appropriate manner.

Today, Hennes lives in the Cologne Zoo in an enclosure specially designed for him. There he has plenty of space, a safe environment, and is well cared for by experienced zookeepers. He receives regular food, medical check-ups, and can move around as he pleases.

Nevertheless, Hennes remains closely connected to the FC. At home games, he is brought to the RheinEnergieStadion, where he sits in a place of honor on the sidelines and supports the team. The fans love him – there are even special chants for Hennes, and he is depicted on countless fan merchandise.

The 1. FC Köln and its fans have a special relationship with their billy goat. Hennes is not just a mascot, but a symbol of loyalty, tradition, and Cologne's zest for life.

This deep connection is evident in many small details:

• Hennes is integrated into the club's crest. He is the only living mascot in Germany that permanently adorns the logo of a professional club.

• He has his own official ceremony. Hennes plays a role at every change of coach or special club events.

• Fans love him above all else. Whether on scarves, T-shirts, or stickers – Hennes is everywhere. He is even frequently seen in the Cologne art and graffiti scene.

Even in difficult times, like relegations to the 2nd Bundesliga, Hennes remains a loyal companion at the side of the FC.

The 1. FC Köln is the only Bundesliga club that consistently relies on a living mascot.

However, there were also other clubs in Germany that had living animals as mascots:

• For a long time, Eintracht Frankfurt had the golden eagle Attila, who flew over the stadium before games.

• Dynamo Dresden has a German Shepherd named "Dixie" who serves as their mascot.

Most other clubs, however, rely on costumed figures, such as:

• Borussia Dortmund
  „Emma“ (a bee)

• FC Bayern München
  „Berni“ (a bear)

• Hertha BSC
  „Herthinho“ (a bear)

But none of these characters can match the genuine, decades-long history of Hennes.

Hennes is much more than just a mascot – he is a symbol of 1. FC Köln that has endured across generations. No other club in Germany has a comparable living mascot with such a deep emotional connection to the city and the fans.

Whether in the stadium, at the Cologne Zoo, or on countless fan merchandise items – Hennes is everywhere and always faithfully by the side of the FC!