Sebastian Kehl was part of Borussia Dortmund for more than 20 years, first as a player, then as head of player licensing and, finally, as sporting director. During his time at BVB, he won three German league titles, lifted the DFB-Pokal twice and reached the Champions League final on two occasions. “Thank you for more than 20 years in Black & Yellow” was written on the boards as he was bid farewell by President Hans-Joachim Watzke and the managing directors Carsten Cramer, Lars Ricken and Thomas Tress. “He lived and breathed Black & Yellow. Sebastian, for your dedication, your loyalty and your love for Borussia Dortmund, we simply say thank you today. Once a Borusse, always a Borusse!” said Nobby Dickel, before chanting the former captain’s name three times with the South Stand. There had already been loud applause in the stadium. Kehl waved goodbye to the South Stand, then formed his hands into the shape of a heart.
Julian Brandt joined BVB in the summer of 2019 at the age of 23 and is the longest-serving player in the squad. The midfielder has worn the Black & Yellow jersey 306 times to date and scored 57 goals. With BVB, he won the DFB-Pokal and the Supercup and reached the Champions League final. (Read the story: From his first goal to his last home game: Julian Brandt looks back on seven years at BVB .) “One of the most technically gifted footballers we’ve had the pleasure of seeing here in recent years. His passing, his creativity, his unique style of play – that was often football at its finest here in the world’s most beautiful stadium!” said Nobby Dickel.
Niklas Sülewill not only be leaving BVB, but will also be retiring at the end of this season. The centre-back announced this on Thursday . Süle joined Dortmund in the summer of 2022 and reached the Champions League final with BVB. Unforgettable is his sliding tackle against Kylian Mbappé in the group stage against Paris Saint-Germain , when he acrobatically prevented what looked like a certain goal. Against Frankfurt, Süle played his 300th Bundesliga match, his 110th competitive game for BVB. “A man who, like few others, embodies power, passion and emotion. A bloke with a huge heart and one who, despite many setbacks, has always got back on his feet! Niklas, you never gave up, always fought hard and were part of many great Black & Yellow football evenings!” said Nobby Dickel about the defender.
Salih Özcan has also been wearing the Borussia Dortmund shirt since 2022 – apart from a six-month loan spell at VfL Wolfsburg – and has made 96 competitive appearances in Black & Yellow. In the words of Nobby Dickel: “A player who has never shied away from a tackle. A fighter. A player with the right mentality. He’s covered miles, plugged gaps and always put himself at the service of the team. An honest worker who didn’t say much – preferring instead to slide-tackle, fight and give it his all!”
“Thank you for your commitment to Borussia Dortmund – and all the best for the future!” Dickel continued, as all three made their way to the South Stand to the applause of the fans. Christina Reinke
