From Ohio to Brazil, Brussels and Singapore, VfB supporters stay up late or wake up early just to cheer our team on. We count on every fan, whether they’re inside the MHP Arena or elsewhere across the globe.
Football is more than just a game for us; it’s a shared passion that unites people everywhere. For that reason, we’re giving our loyal international fans a chance to tell their stories in our #FanFriday campaign. Today, Michael Frazier talks about his passion and love for the club.
Hello Michael, where are you from and where do you live at the moment?
Michael: “My name is Michael Frazier. I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and I currently live in Schönaich, just outside Stuttgart.”
When and why did you become a VfB fan?
Michael: “I’ve been a VfB fan for about ten years. After moving to the Stuttgart area last year and experiencing my first home match, I realised I didn’t just want to be a fan — I wanted to truly be part of VfB. That’s when I decided to become a lifetime ‘dunkelrot’ (dark red) member.”
What is your first memory of VfB?
Michael: “I’ve been a Bundesliga fan since childhood and initially followed some of the bigger clubs. In 2015, however, a friend told me about the pride and tradition associated with many German teams. After doing some research, I was drawn to VfB’s rich history and strong traditions, and I knew immediately that this was the club I wanted to support. I became a fan for life — and at that time, I never imagined that I would one day live in Stuttgart and experience the VfB spirit first-hand.”
How would you describe VfB in three words?
Michael: “Historic, focused, and resilient. Those are some of the primary reasons why I love this club. VfB Stuttgart is one of the oldest and most established football clubs in Germany. VfB Stuttgart is a cultural pillar throughout Baden-Württemberg, representing Swabian identity and pride, and has one of the most passionate fan bases in German football. VfB Stuttgart’s focus is razor-sharp thanks to its defined long-term vision of qualifying for European competition on a consistent basis. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s system is clear and consistent. VfB focuses on long-term development, team cohesion and club pride. VfB Stuttgart embodies resilience – particularly after nearly being relegated in 2023. Through strong leadership, the club has quickly re-established itself and is now one of the most prominent teams in Germany. From the management board and staff through to the coaching team, players, club members and fans, the resilience of VfB Stuttgart is engrained at every level and has restored the club to its former greatness.”
Have you ever attended a VfB match?
Michael: “Yes! I attended my first VfB match during the 2024/25 season with my daughter, Gabrielle. It was amazing to experience first-hand what VfB means to the people of Stuttgart and to feel the incredible energy inside the MHP Arena. The fans were so welcoming — I immediately felt at home.”
With whom and where do you usually watch VfB?
Michael: “I usually watch VfB matches at home with my wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Gabrielle. My son, William, watches from the University of Alabama, where he’s studying. We stay in touch during the matches, texting during the game and talking at half-time and after the game. VfB matches have truly become a family event, no matter where we are in the world.”
What are your pre-match traditions?
Michael: “On matchdays, we always wear something VfB-related. Right before kick-off, we put on our jerseys to fully immerse ourselves in the match experience."
Who is your favourite VfB men’s, women’s, or youth player of all time?
Michael: “My all-time favourite VfB player is Hansi Müller, who I had the incredible honour of meeting recently at my ‘dunkelrot’ pin badge presentation. My favourite current player is Maximilian Mittelstädt, although I also really admire and respect Deniz Undav.”
Why should other football fans follow VfB?
Michael: “VfB isn’t just in Stuttgart — VfB is Stuttgart. It’s not just a club that plays here; it’s woven into the very fabric of the city. Whenever I talk to friends and family back in the US, I brag about how the VfB flags still wave, the drums still beat and the fans still cheer – no matter the score. VfB embodies the spirit, heart, and pride of Stuttgart, and I’m proud to be a part of it as a fan and ‘dunkelrot’ member.”
