Thousands of Mainz fans celebrate their heroes

Several hundred Mainz fans were there to meet the players upon their return from Wolfsburg late on Saturday night, kicking off the party to celebrate avoiding relegation. The celebrations continued late into the night in the city centre, before reaching their conclusion on Sunday afternoon at the MEWA ARENA. Around 5,500 fans turned up to let their team know how pleased they are about another season in the top flight. FSV’s women’s team, who won the Regionalliga Südwest last week, were also part of the party.

The noise levels increased even more when Bo Henriksen was on stage. The Danish head coach thanked all the FSV fans and told them he loves them all. Henriksen, whose arrival around three months ago sparked a change in fortunes for the club, was full of praise for his team, but also for the fans for their support during the relegation battle: “You guys are incredible!” Chairman of the board Stefan Hofmann and board member for sport Christian Heidel stressed the importance of the fans and the whole city. “Why does this kind of thing only always happen in Mainz? It’s because we all understood at the right time that we’d only have a chance if we all stick together,” said Heidel.

Things got emotional when Leo Barreiro took to the stage. The academy product will leave the club this summer after eight years with FSV. “I’ve rarely seen a player like him,” praised Heidel, with him and Hofmann both wishing the midfielder all the best for his future. “If you ever need anything, the door for Mainz is always open for you.” The Luxembourg international was clearly touched by the love shown to him, adding: “All the love I’ve felt from you guys over the years, I have for you all too. Once a Mainzer, always a Mainzer!” Mey Papela, another academy product, will also leave the club after 13 years, as will Jessic Ngankam, whose loan deal from Eintracht Frankfurt is set to expire.