FC St. Pauli has collected around 4000 proposals for a new stadium anthem and is now letting the fans vote. The so-called St. Pauli Song Contest runs until November 1st, marking the end of the old anthem "Das Herz von St. Pauli," which was retired after 20 years due to its lyricist's Nazi past.

A stadium survey had previously shown that 86 percent of over 10,000 participants supported a change. Members and fans can now choose from various categories. Options include well-known songs like "Das hier ist Fußball" by Thees Uhlmann, "Ich liebe das Leben" by Vicky Leandros, "You’ll Never Walk Alone" by Gerry & The Pacemakers, and "Diamonds" by Rihanna. There are also newly composed pieces and even AI-generated songs.

Voting began on October 30th and ends on Sunday, November 1st, at 23:59. The result is to be announced afterwards. For the club, the choice is more than just a new song before kick-off. It's about the identity of a club currently sitting seventh in the 2. Bundesliga with 11 points from eight games. The team is unbeaten in its last five matches and travels to face bottom side SV Darmstadt 98 on Friday. The current form and the close bond with the supporters are also meant to be reflected in the new anthem.

The decision comes at a time when FC St. Pauli is in a stable sporting position. With a goal difference of 11:9 and a run of two wins and three draws in the last five outings, Fabian Hürzeler's side has a solid foundation. Top scorer is currently Abdoulie Ceesay with four season goals. The next challenge is the match in Darmstadt, which represents a key three points in the standings. The new anthem will then be heard for the first time at the Millerntor-Stadion when the team next plays in front of a home crowd.

The unbeaten run includes a 1-1 draw at Hannover 96 on Saturday 17 October, where Abdoulie Ceesay scored just before half-time. The sequence also features a 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a 1-1 draw at Energie Cottbus, and a 1-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg. This record of two wins and three draws leaves the team eleven points behind leaders Hertha BSC but demonstrates consistent form. The away fixture on Friday 23 October against 17th-placed SV Darmstadt 98 presents an opportunity to extend the run.

First reported at Hamburger Abendblatt