The history of 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Milestones and background from the club's history, in chronological order.

More milestones and background for each event.

Nicknames through the years Three names tell a story of near misses, late goals and an unbeaten season. Read the storiesClose the stories
1963–1989

Bundesliga and Europe

  1. A founding member of the Bundesliga

    One of the Bundesliga’s 16 founding members, Kaiserslautern begin with a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.

    FCK had finished the final season of the top-flight Oberliga Südwest as champions.

  2. The 7-4 victory over Bayern Munich

    Trailing 4-1, Kaiserslautern turn the match against reigning champions Bayern Munich into a 7-4 victory.

    Six second-half goals make it one of the Betzenberg’s most famous games.

  3. Biggest Bundesliga victory

    Kaiserslautern beat Karlsruher SC 7-0.

    By goal margin, this is the club’s biggest Bundesliga victory.

1990–1999

Cup triumphs and championships

  1. First Bundesliga relegation

    A 1-1 draw away to fellow strugglers Bayer 04 Leverkusen is not enough for survival.

    After 33 uninterrupted Bundesliga seasons, founding member Kaiserslautern are relegated for the first time.

  2. Returning with victory at the champions

    Kaiserslautern mark their Bundesliga return with a 1-0 victory at Bayern Munich.

    Michael Schjønberg scores at the Olympiastadion to give Otto Rehhagel a win against his former club.

2000–2017

European nights and setbacks

  1. Second Bundesliga relegation

    A 2-2 draw in Wolfsburg is not enough in the direct battle for survival.

    FCK are relegated from the Bundesliga for the second time.

  2. Relegation despite an away victory

    Hertha BSC
    1:2
    1. FC Kaiserslautern
    Match 1 · April 21, 2012 · Location: Berlin Stadium: Olympiastadion Berlin
    1. FC Köln
    1:1
    VfB Stuttgart
    Match 2 · April 21, 2012 · Location: Köln

    Kaiserslautern win 2-1 at Hertha BSC but are nevertheless relegated.

    Köln’s simultaneous 1-1 draw with Stuttgart puts the relegation play-off place beyond reach with two matches remaining.

  3. Lowest Bundesliga finish: 18th place

    After a 5-2 defeat by Dortmund, Kaiserslautern can no longer reach even the penultimate position.

    Eighteenth place is thus confirmed as the club’s lowest Bundesliga finish. The season ultimately ends with 23 points.