

Blood Empty: How a Beloved Team Made a Deal with the Devil
9 snips May 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, correspondent Bradley Campbell shares his insights on Schalke 04, a football club caught in a web of controversy and ambition. He uncovers the club’s Faustian bargain with Gazprom and the emotional rollercoaster of its fans. With tales of geopolitical turmoil and financial strife, Campbell highlights the personal connections that tie the community to their beloved team. From triumphs in the Champions League to struggles with loyalty amid crisis, this exploration captures the profound intersection of sports, identity, and moral dilemmas.
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German Soccer Rivalry Revealed
- Bradley asked his cousin Max in Germany for Borussia Dortmund merch.
- Max's strong rivalry with Borussia Dortmund revealed deep local soccer loyalties around Schalke 04.
Schalke's Faustian Football Tale
- Schalke 04's story is a Faustian tale of a fan-owned club making a risky deal.
- This deal entangled the club in international politics and near financial ruin.
Schalke Mirrors Its City
- Schalke embodies the working-class identity of Gelsenkirchen, rooted in coal mining history.
- The club's long legacy connects deeply to regional pride and community resilience.