Red&Gold Global Trophy: The U19 spectacle at the FC Bayern Campus!
The FC Bayern Campus was the setting of an international football festival as eight U19 teams from across the world …
This was the R&G Global Trophy 2026
FC Bayern U19 were crowned tournament champions at the second edition of the R&G Global Trophy held at the FC Bayern Campus – in the final against Gambinos Stars Africa, the Bayern talents kept their cool in the penalty shootout and brought the trophy to Munich for the first time.
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In early August, the FC Bayern Campus became the stage for an international football festival: From August 4-6, the second edition of the R&G Global Trophy brought together U19 teams (born in 2008 and younger) from five continents. Eight teams competed, including FC Bayern Munich, Los Angeles FC, Gambinos Stars Africa, Racing de Montevideo, SD Aucas, Jeju SK FC, GC Zurich, and SV Elversberg. “It’s a huge benefit for all partner clubs to see what the others are doing and to learn from them,” emphasizes Jochen Sauer, Director of Youth Development at FC Bayern and Managing Director of Red&Gold Football. “I’m certain that there are one or two talented players on each of these teams who are very promising and can take the next step in their careers.”
It’s a huge benefit for all partner clubs to see what the others are doing and to learn from them.
In an intense final against Gambinos Stars Africa, FC Bayern’s U19 team prevailed in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought match and secured the R&G Global Trophy for the first time. Particularly noteworthy: Los Angeles FC, the founding club of Red&Gold Football, was part of the field of participants for the first time – a strong sign of international networking. “At first glance, this tournament is a scouting platform, but when you dig deeper, it’s so much more,” says Jordan Harvey, Assistant General Manager of LAFC. “It’s an opportunity for staff to collaborate, exchange information, and for the players to prove they’re ready for the next step.”
It’s an opportunity for staff to collaborate, exchange information, and for the players to prove they’re ready for the next step.
The R&G Global Trophy is Red&Gold Football’s flagship event and brings together partner clubs from around the world. Scouts from over 50 European first- and second-division clubs watched the matches on Campus and witnessed physically dominant South American football, technically gifted talents from Africa and Asia, and tactically savvy teams from Europe. At the same time, the tournament offered numerous exchange sessions on topics such as playing philosophy, scouting, and player development. “For me, it’s a highlight to share knowledge from so many regions – from Jeju in South Korea to Racing in Uruguay, Aucas in Ecuador, and Gambinos in Africa, all the way to FC Bayern,” Harvey continued.
(Photos: Hannah Brenner)
In the group stage, Gambinos Stars Africa and FC Bayern emerged victorious in Group A, while SD Aucas and Racing de Montevideo topped Group B. After the placement matches, Jeju SK FC finished in 8th place, GC Zürich in 7th, Los Angeles FC in 6th, and SV Elversberg in 5th. Defending champion Racing finished in 4th place this time, while SD Aucas took third. Gambinos Stars Africa finished the tournament in 2nd place – the title went to FC Bayern’s U19 team.
Individually, Baba Camara (Gambinos Stars Africa) was named best goalkeeper and his teammate Tijan Demba was named top scorer. In collaboration with data partner Impect, a data-driven Top 11 for the tournament was also determined.
At the same time, Red&Gold Football used the event to integrate international trialists such as Bruno Meza, Lisandro Torres, Felix Gomez, Adonys Quinonez, Dalember Estacio, Alpha Omar Jallow, and Dawda Saine into training sessions at FC Bayern – an important component of the development philosophy. “Bara Sapoko Ndiaye’s journey shows our players that it’s possible to take this pathway. That’s a huge source of motivation for the players,” says Philipp Baier, Manager of International Scouting at Red&Gold Football.
(Photos: Hannah Brenner)
