VfL Bochum is one of the oldest sports clubs in Germany, with origins dating back to 1848 and an official football department since the beginning of the 20th century. The club has a history as a stable mid-table team and a so-called ‘yo-yo club’, regularly switching between the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga. In 2021, Bochum returned to the top level and has since managed to maintain its position with varying degrees of success, thanks in part to a strong team spirit and hard-working mentality.
The home games are played at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, a characteristic stadium with a capacity of just under 28,000 spectators. The stadium is located in the heart of Bochum and is known for its compact construction and direct atmosphere, with the audience sitting close to the pitch. The club’s fanatical supporters always provide fervent support, especially during games against other Ruhr area clubs.
Bochum is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, located in the Ruhr area, and has an industrial history mainly focused on coal mining and steel production. Today it is a university city with a mix of old and new, where football plays an important role in everyday life. VfL Bochum is firmly rooted in the local community and is an important part of the city’s identity.