The history of Schalke 04
Milestones and background from the club's history, in chronological order.
More milestones and background for each event.
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Competitions
Nicknames through the years Three names tell a story of near misses, late goals and an unbeaten season. Read the storiesClose the stories
From Westfalia to FC Schalke 04
The roots: Westfalia Schalke
Young men from Schalke establish Westfalia Schalke.
Through subsequent combinations and separations, this club provides the footballing roots of today’s FC Schalke 04.
Joining the gymnastics club
Westfalia joins Schalker Turnverein 1877.
This gives the footballers access to organised association competitions.
Westfalia becomes independent again
The footballers establish another independent club named Westfalia Schalke.
During the war they also field a joint team with the gymnastics club.
Formation of TuS Schalke 1877
Westfalia and the gymnastics club combine as Turn- und Sportverein Schalke 1877.
The football section remains part of this organisation until the separation in 1924.
An independent FC Schalke 04
The footballers separate from the gymnastics club as part of the institutional split between the two sports.
Their independent club takes the name FC Schalke 04.
Gelsenkirchen enters the club name
In gratitude for municipal support for the new ground, Schalke adds the city’s name.
The club becomes FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04.