Schalkes

Schalkes refers to the supporters of FC Schalke 04, a German sports club based in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The club is primarily known for its professional football team, which competes in the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of German football. Founded in 1904, FC Schalke 04 has a long and storied history, having won numerous domestic titles including seven German championships and five DFB-Pokals. Their rivalry with Borussia Dortmund, known as the Revierderby, is one of the most intense and widely followed in German football.

The fanbase of Schalke is characterized by its strong regional identity and deep loyalty. Schalkes are known for their passionate support, often filling the Veltins-Arena, the club's home stadium, with a vibrant atmosphere. The club's traditional colors are blue and white, and these are prominently displayed by supporters. The "Kumpel-und-Malocherklub" (club of miners and hard workers) moniker reflects Schalke's historical roots in the Ruhr industrial region, where coal mining was a dominant industry. This heritage continues to resonate with many fans, fostering a sense of solidarity and working-class identity. The club has experienced periods of both great success and significant challenges, and its supporters have remained steadfast through it all.