Roger Federer’s tennis greatness simply cannot be doubted. However, did you know that in his younger years, Federer wasn’t just passionate about tennis, he was just as passionate about soccer as well? Federer grew up supporting FC Basel, his hometown club, and is still one of its most high-profile fans. From time to time, Federer keeps attending Basel’s matches, and with the club gearing up to host European heavyweights Bayern Munich in a friendly, the Swiss Maestro might show up yet again.

Over the last few months, Federer’s public appearances have been few and far between. However, he has definitely established that if he does show up somewhere, it will only be somewhere that interests him. Take the 2023 Rugby World Cup for example. Federer showed up when it mattered most for the South African national team, nicknamed the Springboks – the final itself. The team, spurred on by Federer’s presence, ultimately won, and FC Basel would definitely be hoping for something of a repeat.

The love for soccer runs through Roger Federer’s veins, and why wouldn’t it? After all, he grew up in Basel, a soccer-crazy Swiss city, home to FC Basel, its shining pride. Growing up, Federer idolized Karl Odermatt, an attacking midfielder who scored 80 goals in 312 appearances for FC Basel. Odermatt also notched up half a century of appearances for the Swiss national soccer team.

Odermatt’s influence was so profound on Federer that he kept a close eye on FC Basel, even after he had decided to pursue tennis as a profession instead of soccer. Since then, Federer attended FC Basel matches wherever and whenever he could. Even when he couldn’t attend Basel’s matches, Federer would keep a close eye on the club’s progress from afar. Federer has publicly stated that his worst moment as an FC Basel fan came during the 2006/2007 season, when the club ended up finishing second in the Swiss league to its bitter rival, FC Zurich.

Federer’s last physical appearance at an FC Basel game came in May 2023. The game was against rivals Grasshopper Zurich, and FC Basel secured a comfortable 3-1 win. Federer being Federer, wasn’t simply content watching the match from the stands. He made it all the way to the FC Basel locker room to congratulate the players as well.

Now that it’s Bayern Munich’s time to take on the Swiss soccer superpower, there’s every chance that Federer will grace the occasion with this illustrious presence. Of course, he hasn’t publicly announced anything. However, if we are to go by everything that happened during the final of the Rugby World Cup, all of us might be in for a grand FedEx-sized surprise.

South Africa faced New Zealand in what turned out to be a pulsating 2023 Rugby World Cup final. But what made the occasion extra special was Federer’s surprise appearance. What’s more? Federer wasn’t alone. The Swiss Maestro was accompanied by his mother, wife, and also the kids.

Congrats @Springboks. We see you @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/9ZC715C0SQ

— Tennis Forward (@TennisForward) October 28, 2023

Federer’s good friend, Siya Kolisi, led South Africa aka the Springboks, to a famous victory. Unsurprisingly, Federer, with his mother hailing from South Africa, was ecstatic. He also participated in the team’s victory parade digitally. FC Basel would be definitely hoping for something similar once it commences its friendly battle against Bayern Munich.