The Ultras Gelsenkirchen of FC Schalke 04 and the Sottocultura group of Borussia Mönchengladbach have officially announced a fan friendship as of September 2026. The partnership, revealed in the Schalke fan magazine Blauer Brief, formalizes a connection that has existed since the early 2000s and was revitalized over the last decade.
For years, the bond between these two Bundesliga ultra groups was an open secret in the stands, characterized by mutual support and shared travel. While rumors of the connection had circulated previously, the groups chose to take things slowly to avoid rushing the process. The Ultras Gelsenkirchen noted that Sottocultura and we let it take its time and did not want to rush anything. That caution ended this summer.
The Evolution of the Gelsenkirchen-Gladbach Connection
The relationship is not a sudden development but the result of a decades-long trajectory. According to the Ultras Gelsenkirchen, contacts with the Mönchengladbach scene began in the early 2000s. Though the groups lost touch for a period, the connection flamed up again over the past ten years.
This rekindled bond manifested in practical, on-the-ground support. The Schalke ultras noted that in recent seasons, there was virtually no game on the schedule where the groups did not support one another, with some members even switching from one bus to another during trips.
The Ultras Gelsenkirchen, via Blauer Brief stated that this summer they finally made official what had already been practiced for a long time, adding that they are proud to have their friends by their side.
Sottocultura echoed this sentiment, explaining that from more and more contacts, more and more friendships and a really deep connection developed over time, leading to the decision to finally name the relationship officially this summer.
The move follows a period of increased scrutiny. Approximately one year ago, shortly before a friendly match between Borussia and Schalke during an international break, reports surfaced regarding more intensive relations between the two groups. At that time, Jan Ruoff, Gladbach’s fan representative, stated, One cannot speak of a fan friendship there. There are friendly contacts on various levels, including visits by individuals to games of the other club, but these contacts have existed for many years.
Strategic Rivalries and the Ultra Network
FC Köln.
In a mirrored reflection of this new alliance, the ultras of Dortmund and Köln—the primary rivals of the two newly allied clubs—maintain their own well-known friendship.
For Schalke, this marks a significant expansion of their official ultra network.
- 1. FC Nürnberg
- Vardar Skopje
- Twente Enschede
- Salernitana
Impact on the 99th Bundesliga Duel
The official status of the friendship arrives just as the two clubs prepare for their next encounter. Borussia Mönchengladbach will visit the Veltins Arena for the 14th matchday of the season on the fourth Advent weekend. This meeting will be the 99th duel between the two traditional clubs in the top flight of German football.
Historically, the two sides have faced each other in 134 competitive matches. Since 1950, Gladbach has played more frequently only against Borussia Dortmund.
The upcoming match is expected to be a visual showcase of the new alliance. Based on previous patterns seen during Schalke’s games against Nürnberg, observers anticipate a joint choreography between the two fan camps. This would serve as the first public, large-scale demonstration of the friendship since its official announcement.
The announcement comes following a match between FC Schalke 04 and SV Elversberg at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, which ended in a 0:0 draw.