In 2025, MSV Duisburg fans have established a new chant in the stadium. We wanted to know: Is this the Ruhr region’s fan anthem of the year? Here are your answers.
“When I go to sleep at night, I dream of the Zebras in the European Cup…”: Anyone who followed MSV Duisburg at the stadium in 2025 or spent time on social media is unlikely to have missed this fan chant.
In keeping with the outstanding Regionalliga season, which ended in promotion, the Zebras’ fans established a new song in the first half of the year set to the tune of Oimara’s hit “Wackelkontakt.” By now, large sections of the stadium are singing along. We asked on Instagram and Facebook: “Is the Ruhr Valley fan hit of the year coming from the fans of MSV Duisburg?”
In addition to the usual banter between fans of MSV Duisburg and Rot-Weiss Essen—which, of course, is part of the rivalry between the two promotion contenders—numerous users chimed in, some with funny anecdotes.
“When all the spectators in the stadium join in… it gives you absolute goosebumps,” writes an Instagram user, apparently an MSV fan, on Instagram. In general, the song has been very well received by the Duisburg fans who commented on our posts. “Of course. ONLY MSV HÖMMA,” writes another. Or on our main Facebook page: “The best song in Germany among all clubs, or rather in Europe.”
Another user raves about the old days: “It’s a great song. I was there for the European Cup, even the 78/79 UEFA Cup semifinals. And this generation deserves it!!! Most of them only know the 3rd or 4th division. Personally, I’d be happy with the second division.”
Another user notes: “It’s okay to dream; I’d be thrilled if we could just get to 45 points first.” And the next one: “It wasn’t popular with everyone in Duisburg at first, but now it’s the highlight of the season!”
And another notes: “A very successful hit; it really took off. Even beyond the Duisburg stadium.”
He’s not alone in this view. Fans of other clubs are also paying respect to Duisburg’s new chant. “That’s really awesome; even as a Schalke fan, you have to admit it,” writes a Royal Blue supporter. And another: “Even as a Schalke fan, I’m celebrating the chant and the Zebra fans for it. Absolutely top-notch!!!” Or also: “Yeah, you have to say that… Even as a Schalke fan, I can’t get it out of my head sometimes.”
There’s also approval from the VfL Bochum fan base: “I’m a Bochum fan and have to say it’s absolutely deserved; my girlfriend doesn’t care about soccer at all, and even she knows the song almost by heart” (which, by the way, is pretty much the same in the author’s household).
Even from the RWE camp, there are words of praise: “Even though Duisburg isn’t my club, the song is definitely catchy. Only RWE. Happy holidays and a Happy New Year.“ Or: ”You have to give them credit, it’s great. The atmosphere and the crowd play a big part in that. Best regards from Essen (…).”
The Duisburg fans have certainly made a creative contribution to the chants in the German fan scene. One notable example is certainly the promotion match against Borussia Mönchengladbach II, when around 16,000 Zebras sang the song at Borussia-Park during the 1-0 away win in late April. And for many, it still hasn’t left their heads to this day.