Before the Wild Horde (WH96) emerged, there was another group in Cologne with a touch of ultras, called the “Ultras C.C.A.A.“, founded in 1994. They were among the first groups in the country to use flags, banners, and introduce Tifo displays to the stands of Cologne. Initially, the founders of WH96 were part of this group, but by the end of 1996, especially in December, they disagreed with the direction the group was taking. Some members of “Ultras C.C.A.A.” were more focused on football and events in Britain, while younger members missed the ultra-lifestyle aspect. They decided to separate and establish a new group, the “Wilde Horde“. WH96 began slowly, with around 30 members in its first year, gradually increasing over time. The group displayed its first flags, banners, and Tifo displays within the first two years. As WH96 adopted a new mentality and ideals, they moved from the standing areas in the Südkurve to the upper south, specifically to “Section 24,” the first official location of the Wilde Horde in the old Müngersdorfer Stadion.
By the first relegation in the club’s history to the second Bundesliga in the summer of 1998, the group had approximately 50 members. During the two years in the second Bundesliga, the supporters who were always present attended away games, despite the challenges of weekday matches. The relegation proved beneficial for WH96 and other dedicated supporters, as Cologne’s fan scene stabilized, creating a sense of family.
When 1. FC Köln was promoted back to the Bundesliga in 2000, WH96 had about 120 members and was ready for the Bundesliga. The group’s structure became clearer, and they produced impressive Tifo displays. As Köln is a renowned club with a rich tradition, they attract many away fans. WH96 became one of the most well-known and largest groups in Cologne, respected throughout the country as one of the best-organized Ultra groups in Germany.
Their activities include organizing buses to away games, operating a stand at home games to sell merchandise and tickets, and publishing their magazine called “Mentalita Kölsch.” They also run a charity campaign called “Horde Karitativ” every Christmas, supporting children from Cologne facing social issues.
The group’s name, “Wilde Horde,” stands out as one of the most distinctive among the older German groups. While others commonly adopted names like “Brigade,” “Commando,” or “Ultras,” we aimed for something unique, diverging from these typical patterns. The process of choosing our name was rather ordinary. A few of the founders gathered one evening over beers, and the name “Wilde Horde” was settled upon. It perfectly encapsulated the spirit and motivation of the emerging ultra generation in Cologne.
The hooligan movement in Cologne had a significant presence in the late 70s, 80s, and 90s. During this time, Köln was known for its aggressive and violent fans, earning respect throughout the country for their mob mentality. Compared to the late 90s, authorities now impose stadium bans more swiftly, and laws have become stricter for football fans involved in disruptive behavior either inside or around stadiums. These measures have played a significant role in curbing hooliganism and promoting a safer environment for football fans across Germany.
We have developed a strong and enduring friendship with the Supras Auteuil from Paris SG, France, starting back in October/November 2002. It all began when a few members of the Wilde Horde attended a home game of Paris Saint-Germain and were graciously invited by Tigris to join them at a match against OM at the “Virage Auteuil.” It was there that we first got to know each other. Thanks to the excellent relationship between the groups in Paris at that time, we attended several matches with the Supras and were eventually invited to their local hangout. From the very start, we found each other highly compatible, and thus, our friendship began to blossom.