St. Pauli searches for new anthem: Bella Ciao among 4,000 proposals

St. Pauli seeks a new official anthem after retiring their historic one due to a composer's Nazi past; over 4,000 fan proposals include Bella Ciao and songs by Elvis and Depeche Mode.

FC St. Pauli has launched a fan vote to choose a new official club anthem after retiring 'Das Herz von St. Pauli' in 2025, following the discovery that co-composer Josef Ollig had a Nazi past. The club received over 4,000 song proposals from supporters, ranging from international hits by Elvis Presley and Depeche Mode to the German version of 'Bella Ciao' by Hannes Wader. The decision reflects St. Pauli's identity as one of football's most left-wing, anti-fascist and inclusive clubs. Fans will now vote online to select the new anthem.