Introduction to Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, often referred to as BVB (Ballspielverein Borussia), is a German professional sports club based in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia. The men’s professional football squad of the club, which plays in the Bundesliga, the top division of the German football league, is its most well-known asset. Founded on December 19, 1909, by eighteen football players from Dortmund, Borussia Dortmund has grown into one of the most popular and successful football clubs in Germany and Europe. With a membership base of over 189,000 in 2023, BVB is the fifth-largest sports club in the world by membership. Apart from football, the club also boasts a successful women’s handball team.
The club’s origins are rooted in a rebellion against the Catholic Church-sponsored Trinity Youth, where the founders played football under the strict supervision of the local parish priest. Discontent with the church’s control, these young men formed Borussia Dortmund, marking the beginning of a footballing institution that would go on to capture the hearts of millions.
Stadium and Facilities
Westfalenstadion: The Fortress of Dortmund
The Westfalenstadion, officially known as Signal Iduna Park due to a sponsorship agreement, is the iconic home of Borussia Dortmund. It is the largest stadium in Germany and the seventh-largest in Europe, capable of hosting up to 81,359 spectators for Bundesliga matches. For international matches, the stadium accommodates 65,829 seated spectators, adhering to FIFA regulations. The southern grandstand, known as the “Yellow Wall,” is particularly famous for its capacity to hold nearly 25,000 standing fans, creating one of the most intimidating atmospheres in world football.
Constructed in 1974 to replace the smaller Stadion Rote Erde, Westfalenstadion has undergone several renovations to expand its capacity and modernize its facilities. The stadium’s significance extends beyond club football; it has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including games during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The home games at Westfalenstadion are especially significant, drawing some of the highest attendance figures in Europe and showcasing Borussia Dortmund’s strong fan engagement and club prestige. During these international events, the stadium is referred to as “FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund” or “BVB Stadion Dortmund” to comply with sponsorship regulations.
In 2008, Borussia Dortmund opened the Borusseum, a museum dedicated to the club’s rich history, located within the stadium. The Westfalenstadion’s roof is also home to 8,768 solar panels, installed by Q-Cells in 2011, generating significant renewable energy. The stadium’s design, atmosphere, and technological advancements make it a symbol of both tradition and innovation in football.
Training Ground and Facilities
Borussia Dortmund’s state-of-the-art training ground and academy base, known as Hohenbuschei, is located in the Brackel district of Dortmund. This facility is equipped with everything a modern football club needs to compete at the highest level. The complex includes fitness and rehabilitation areas, physiotherapy and massage rooms, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, weight rooms, and classrooms for tactical analysis.
The grounds boast five grass pitches, two of which are heated, an artificial pitch, three smaller grass pitches, and a multi-functional sports arena. Additionally, the club owns a Footbonaut, a cutting-edge training robot that helps players improve their ball control and passing accuracy within a 14-square-meter training cage. These facilities underscore Dortmund’s commitment to player development, making it one of the best-equipped clubs in Europe.
Plans to further expand the Hohenbuschei complex, including the complete rebuild of the Sports Business Office, are set to be completed by 2021. These expansions will ensure that Borussia Dortmund remains at the forefront of football infrastructure, providing its players and staff with the best possible environment to excel.
Achievements and Honors
Borussia Dortmund’s trophy cabinet is a testament to their success in both domestic and international competitions. The club has won eight German championships, five DFB-Pokals, one UEFA Champions League, one Intercontinental Cup, and one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. The importance of the final matchday in determining the outcomes of crucial competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League, cannot be overstated. These achievements place Dortmund among the most successful clubs in Germany and Europe.
Champions League Success
- Intercontinental Cup (1997): Borussia Dortmund’s victory in the 1997 Intercontinental Cup is a highlight of their international success. This trophy, contested between the champions of Europe and South America, marked Dortmund’s status as a global powerhouse.
- UEFA Champions League (1996-97): Dortmund’s crowning achievement came in the 1996-97 season when they won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final. This triumph established Borussia Dortmund on the European stage and remains one of the greatest moments in the club’s history. Real Madrid, one of the top contenders in the UEFA Champions League and the defending champions, have also highlighted their longstanding dominance in European football.
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1965-66): BVB became the first German club to win a European trophy when they lifted the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1966, defeating Liverpool in the final.
Domestic Dominance
German Championship/Bundesliga (1956, 1957, 1963, 1994-95, 1995-96, 2001-02, 2010-11, 2011-12): Borussia Dortmund has won the Bundesliga eight times, with their most recent titles coming in 2011 and 2012 under the management of Jürgen Klopp. The 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons were particularly special as they marked back-to-back titles, with the latter season also seeing Dortmund complete a domestic double by winning the DFB-Pokal. Notable teams in the Bundesliga include FC Kaiserslautern, which has a rich history in German football.
DFB-Pokal (1964-65, 1988-89, 2011-12, 2016-17, 2020-21): Dortmund has won the DFB-Pokal five times, with their most recent victory in 2021. The 2011-12 season was particularly memorable as Dortmund defeated Bayern Munich 5-2 in the final, securing their first domestic double.
DFB/DFL-Supercup (1989, 1995, 1996, 2013, 2014, 2019): Dortmund has also won the German Supercup six times, most recently in 2019.
Records and Milestones
- Most Appearances: Michael Zorc, with 572 appearances in all competitions, holds the record for the most games played for Borussia Dortmund. Zorc, who also served as the club’s sporting director, is a true icon of BVB.
- Most Goals: Alfred Preissler is Dortmund’s all-time top scorer with 177 goals in all competitions. His goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in the club’s early successes.
- UEFA Champions League Records: Dortmund made history during the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League season by winning a match 8-4 against Legia Warsaw, setting a record for the most goals scored in a Champions League match.
- Youssoufa Moukoko: Moukoko set several records as a teenager, becoming the youngest player to appear in both the Bundesliga (16 years and 1 day) and the UEFA Champions League (16 years and 18 days). He also became the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history at just 16 years and 28 days old. Another Dortmund player, Gregor Kobel, has achieved significant milestones in his career, showcasing the club’s ability to nurture talent.
Current Squad and Head Coach
Borussia Dortmund’s current squad is a blend of experienced leaders and exciting young talents. The team is captained by Emre Can, with Julian Brandt serving as vice-captain. The head coach plays a crucial role in team management, making strategic decisions that impact game outcomes. The recent appointment of the new head coach has significantly influenced the team’s performance, particularly in crucial matches. The squad includes a mix of homegrown players and international stars, all contributing to Dortmund’s continued success in domestic and European competitions.
- Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Alexander Meyer, Silas Ostrzinski
- Defenders: Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Niklas Süle, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, Yan Couto (on loan from Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha, Salih Özcan, Giovanni Reyna
- Forwards: Sébastien Haller, Donyell Malen, Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
This squad continues the club’s tradition of developing young talent, with players like Giovanni Reyna and Youssoufa Moukoko seen as future stars.
Best Players of All Time
Borussia Dortmund has been home to some of football’s greatest talents. Among them, Matthias Sammer, Manfred Burgsmüller, and Jürgen Kohler stand out as legends of the club. The importance of the second leg in determining the outcomes of crucial matches, especially in the UEFA Champions League, cannot be overstated.
- Matthias Sammer: A defensive midfielder, Sammer played for Dortmund during the club’s golden era in the 1990s. He won three Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League, later transitioning to a successful career in football management and administration.
- Manfred Burgsmüller: One of BVB’s all-time top scorers, Burgsmüller scored 158 goals in 252 appearances between 1976 and 1983. His ability to find the back of the net made him a fan favorite and a crucial player during his time at the club.
- Jürgen Kohler: A World Cup-winning center-back, Kohler was known for his defensive prowess. He played 250 games for Dortmund, scoring 18 goals, and was instrumental in their UEFA Champions League victory in 1997.
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund’s rich history, passionate fan base, and commitment to developing young talent have made them one of the most beloved football clubs in the world. From their humble beginnings in 1909 to becoming European champions, BVB has consistently been a symbol of resilience, innovation, and excellence in football. With a modern stadium, the club is well-prepared for future competitions, including navigating the new qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League. The new format will also see teams no longer facing the same opponents in two games home and away, altering the competitive dynamics and increasing the number of teams involved in each stage.
