Top five clubs with most relegations in Bundesliga history

Throughout the German top flight’s course, survival hasn’t always been easy for some teams.

Some of the finest football clubs in the world have competed in the Bundesliga, Germany's premier professional football league. However, the journey has not always been straightforward for some teams. Relegation is a fate that every club dreads, as it not only results in a loss of prestige but also income. In this article, we will examine the top five clubs in the Bundesliga with the most relegations.

5. Hamburger SV - 3 Relegations

Hamburger SV, or simply HSV, are one of Germany's most illustrious football organisations, having won six Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokals, and the European Cup. However, they have also endured three league relegations. They were relegated for the first time in 1979-80, and again in 2017-18 and 2020-21. Despite recent difficulties, they have a devoted and passionate fan base, and they continue to pursue success on and off the pitch.

4. FC Koln - 4 Relegations

1.FC Koln, also known as FC Cologne, have an illustrious history, having won three Bundesliga championships and twice reaching the UEFA Cup final. However, they have been relegated from the Bundesliga four times. Their first relegation came in 1997-98, and they were also relegated in 2001-02, and 2011-12. Their most recent relegation occurred in 2020-21, but they have since recovered and are now vying for staying back in the premier division.

3. Arminia Bielefeld - 5 Relegations

Arminia Bielefeld are a Bundesliga mainstay, having competed in the league for a total of 18 seasons. However, they have endured five relegations. Arminia Bielefeld is a Bundesliga mainstay, having competed in the league for a total of 18 seasons.

However, they have also endured five relegations, the most recent of which occurred during the 2020-21 season. They were relegated for the first time in 1970-71, and again in 1999-2000, 2002-03, and 2008-09. In spite of this, they have a devoted fan base and a strong sense of community, which makes them a respected club in Germany.

2. Fortuna Düsseldorf - 5 Relegations

Five times since the Bundesliga's inception in 1963, Fortuna Düsseldorf have been relegated from the Bundesliga. In 1979, they won the DFB-Pokal and in 1979–80, they reached the UEFA Cup final. They were relegated for the first time in 1966-67, and again in 1982-83, 1996-97, 2002-03, and 2012-13. Nonetheless, they had some success, winning the DFB-Pokal in 1979 and reaching the UEFA Cup final in 1979-80. They are well-known for their devoted and vocal fan base, which continues to support them through thick and thin.

1. FC Nürnberg - 9 Relegations

The FC Nürnberg have a storied past, having won nine German championships, but their first-division record has been less than stellar. However, their Bundesliga record has not been particularly impressive. The Franconians have been relegated nine times, the most of any team in the history of the division.

In the inaugural Bundesliga season of 1963-64, they were relegated for the first time, followed by 1979-80, 1983-84, 1987-88, 1993-94, 1998-99, 2007-08, 2013-14, and 2018-19. Despite their difficulties in the Bundesliga, they continue to be a popular and respected club among German football enthusiasts, and their devoted fans continue to support them through thick and thin.