What is The Match of Your Life?
The Match of Your Life Cup is a multi-stage competition organized by the Paulaner Brewery in collaboration with FC Bayern München, starting on April 8, 2026. Through a selection process (registration / online application / tryouts), experts and a jury will select the members of an amateur soccer team that will face the FC Bayern München pros in 2027. Two selection rounds will take place in Italy, and the final tryouts will be held in Munich.
What is the Match of Your Life experience?
The highlight of the Match of Your Life experience is participation in a live tryout, where participants have the chance to be selected to play in a match against a FC Bayern München team. In addition to this highlight, the experience includes an exclusive trip to Munich for the five finalists, covering round-trip travel from Italy to Germany, two nights’ accommodation at a hotel, as well as meals and lodging. While participation in the match is not guaranteed, all participants will be invited to attend the game as spectators if they are not selected as players.
Who can participate in The Match of Your Life?
Any male participant who is 18 years old at the time of registration and resides in Italy or San Marino is eligible to participate.
Can women participate as well?
Soccer inspires and brings people together—regardless of gender.
In accordance with Bundesliga competition guidelines, The Match of Your Life will be played as a match between a team of amateur and recreational soccer players and the FC Bayern München men’s professional team. Therefore, only men may apply to participate in this match.
This stipulation is based on the format of the game and does not constitute a gender-specific distinction. As a company, Paulaner is a clear advocate for equality and equal opportunity.
How can I sign up for The Match of Your Life?
Registration for The Match of Your Life is available exclusively through the registration form on this website. As part of the multi-stage application process, if you make it to the finals, you will need to complete the following tasks after registering:
> Multi-stage online application
> Two online selection rounds (Top 10 and Final 5)
> Participation in a live casting in Munich
> Match against FC Bayern München
Do I have to pay an entry fee for The Match of Your Life?
Participation in the promotion is free of charge.
When is the registration deadline?
Registration for The Match of Your Life closes on May 31, 2026.
Is there an age limit for participation?
Any male fan who is at least 18 years old can participate in the promotion. There is no upper age limit.
Are there any terms and conditions for participation?
If you're over 18, male, and can play soccer, you can take part in the event.
I won't turn 18 until next year. Can I still sign up?
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the contest.
Do I have to be a beer drinker to participate?
No, you can still participate in the event even if you don't drink beer.
Do I have to play for a club to participate?
You can also participate in the event as a recreational player who isn't a member of a club.
I only live in Germany part of the time. Can I still participate?
You can only participate in this promotion if your primary residence is in Italy or San Marino.
Who decides who gets to participate in the tryouts and play against the FC Bayern pros?
Our team of experts will decide who participates in the casting and the game. The decision is final.
Who is on the jury?
The jury responsible for deciding who will participate in the match against FC Bayern consists of three soccer experts: Lena Oberdorf, a professional player for FC Bayern München and a member of the German women’s national team; Konrad Laimer, a professional player for FC Bayern München; and Stefan Lehmann, the FCB stadium announcer and radio host.
What skills determine eligibility?
A candidate’s personality as well as their soccer skills. In addition, commitment and creativity in the online application, as well as dedication and team spirit during the tryouts, may also be factors in the decision-making process.
What should my application video show, and how long should it be?
Show us what you’ve got: Give the experts a glimpse of your soccer skills. How you structure your video is entirely up to you.
Show yourself as you are, give a glimpse of your game, highlight what makes you special as a player and as a person, and don’t forget to feature a Paulaner product (preferably our 0.0% alcohol wheat beer) in a creative way.
Please keep your video to a maximum of 90 seconds—simple, honest, and without elaborate editing. We want to see you just as you are: unfiltered and authentic.
How long will it take before I hear back from the jury?
It may take a few weeks for the jury to respond. This depends on the jury's availability and the number of participants. Please be patient; you will definitely receive a response.
In which countries is the campaign taking place?
This website is intended for use in Italy. There are also separate contests in Germany, Poland, the United States, and China.
How many players will be invited to the tryouts in Munich?
Five players from Italy will be invited to the casting.
How many players will be on the fan-selected team?
The fan team will consist of a total of 22 players. There will be substitutions, which will be made by the team coach.
How will I be kept informed about all developments regarding the campaign?
All information regarding the current promotion will be posted on this website or sent to the email address you provided when you registered.
When and where will the Fan Selection's game against FC Bayern take place?
The match is scheduled for 2027, subject to FC Bayern München's sporting performance during the season. The venue and date will be announced to participants and the public in a timely manner.
Does Paulaner cover travel expenses and accommodation?
Paulaner will cover all costs for both the casting and the performance in Munich: travel to and from the event, lodging, meals, and transportation.
Are participants provided with jerseys or equipment?
Sportswear and shoes are provided by Paulaner. You can keep the equipment after the game.
What happens to the data, photos, and videos I enter and upload when I register and apply for The Match of Your Life?
All data, photos, and videos that you submit and upload as part of this campaign will be stored and published solely within the scope of this project and its related communications. For more details, please refer to the rules of participation and the privacy policy on this website.
Can I delete or withdraw my application?
Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time. To do so, simply click the button provided in your personal applicant account.
Can I sign up more than once?
Multiple registrations are not permitted and will be automatically filtered out by the organizers.
I'm having technical issues with registration or uploading. Who can I contact?
Please use this email address for all your questions: marketing@paulaneritalia.it
Who should I contact if I have questions about the promotion?
Communication takes place via email. Please use marketing@paulaneritalia.it for any questions you may have.