Bundesliga
David Alaba takes to city streets as Santa Claus
Bayern Munich's David Alaba looked resplendent in a different kind of red as he took to the city streets to deliver a surprise dose of Christmas cheer on Sunday.
Less than 24 hours after helping Bayern record a year-ending win over Wolfsburg, Alaba rocked up in the centre of the Bavarian capital decked in traditional Santa Claus attire.
The 27-year-old-old handed out sweet treats to the initially unwitting passers-by, before news got out that one of Bayern's favourite adopted sons was behind the beard and rotund get-up.
"As Santa Claus, it’s a little more relaxed to walk around the Christmas market," Alaba explained of his festive disguise.
"At Christmas time you should share your joy. Even if it was just a small gesture, people and especially the children in downtown Munich were very happy. And I really had fun with it, too"
"The support of our fans and followers in Munich is extremely important to us - we're happy to give something back at Christmas time."
Giving back is, in fact, as much a part of the Bayern DNA as winning football matches. Earlier in December, Alaba joined teammates Kingsley Coman and Thomas Müller on one of the club's traditional pre-Christmas trips to one of their many fan clubs.
Philippe Coutinho, Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer and interim coach Hansi Flick were among the players, coaching and management staff to get involved and warm the hearts of supporters up and down the country, and even across the border in Austria.
Bayern go into the winter break third in the standings, four points behind leaders RB Leipzig, after 17 matches.
The defending champions resume their title defence and pursuit of a record-extending eighth successive Meisterschale with a trip to mid-table Hertha Berlin - led by former Bayern player and coach, Jürgen Klinsmann - on 19 January 2020.