The Winckelmann Cup is an annual football tournament played by teams primarily composed of archaeologists, founded in 1991.

Born from a historic rivalry between the University of Cologne and the University of Bonn (Germany), it is named after the German archaeologist Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717–1768), a pioneer of modern archaeology and art history. The first matches between the two teams took place on St. Nicholas’ Day in the 1980s.

In 1990, the first archaeological tournament was organized in Cologne. In addition to the two founding teams, many other institutions were already in attendance. In 1991, the tournament expanded further, welcoming additional teams from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Organized by Medusa Hofgarten in Bonn, the event brought together nine teams that competed on makeshift fields, gathered around large barbecues, and hydrated themselves with generous amounts of beer. This edition was won by the Vienna Underground, which was then entrusted with organizing the next tournament, marking the international beginnings of the Winckelmann Cup.

Today, the Winckelmann Cup is the most famous sporting event for European archaeologists. Some teams have seen multiple generations of students participate, notably the founding team of Medusa Hofgarten in Bonn. Each year, new teams from across Europe—representing archaeological societies, universities, and archaeological services—come together to kick the ball. Hundreds of archaeologists, including students and cultural heritage professionals, gather on the field for a weekend that is both athletic and entertaining, but also enriching in many ways.

Indeed, the Cup is not just a football tournament; it is also an opportunity for participants to discover the culture, heritage, and traditions of the host city and country. It is also a chance to reunite with old friends and make new ones.

Each year, a different team is elected by popular vote to organize and host the Winckelmann Cup. While most tournaments have taken place in Germany, the Cup has also brought together teams in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, Belgium, and England.

This year, for the 33rd edition,the members of the Caligula Strikers Freiburg proudly welcome the Winckelmann Cup community to their city!