Borussia Dortmund Legends: In front of The Gelbe Wand
Borussia Dortmund is more than just a football club—it’s a beacon of passion, resilience, and unrelenting spirit. Over the decades, Die Schwarzgelben have captivated the footballing world with their attacking flair, legendary players, and unforgettable nights under the lights of Signal Iduna Park. The legends of Borussia Dortmund have not only delivered glory but have also embodied the club’s ethos, creating a legacy that resonates far beyond the pitch.
Explore This Guide
In this feature, we celebrate ten of the all-time greatest legends of Borussia Dortmund, showcasing how these players became the heart and soul of one of Germany’s most storied clubs.
Matthias Sammer: The Tactical Genius
Position: Defender/Midfielder Career: 1993–1998 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, a Champions League title, and the 1996 Ballon d’Or. Iconic Moments: On of the legends who have defined Borussia Dortmund is Matthias Sammer. Captaining Dortmund to their 1997 Champions League triumph and showcasing his defensive brilliance throughout the campaign. Legacy: Sammer’s intelligence and versatility made him a linchpin during Dortmund’s golden era. His influence as a player and later as a sporting director remains unparalleled. Other Clubs: Played for Dynamo Dresden, VfB Stuttgart, and Inter Milan.
Marco Reus: The Loyal Leader
Position: Forward/Winger Career: 2012–Present Achievements: Bundesliga Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2019), DFB-Pokal winner. Iconic Moments: Scoring crucial goals in the DFB-Pokal finals and consistently stepping up in pivotal games. Legacy: Despite injuries, Reus has remained loyal to Dortmund, becoming a symbol of perseverance and dedication. His connection with fans is unmatched. Other Clubs: Borussia Mönchengladbach, Rot Weiss Ahlen.
Michael Zorc: Mr. Borussia Dortmund
Position: Midfielder Career: 1981–1998 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, a Champions League title, DFB-Pokal winner. Iconic Moments: Leading the team as captain during the 1990s golden era and being a cornerstone of the midfield. Legacy: Zorc’s influence extended beyond his playing days, serving as Dortmund’s sporting director for decades, shaping the club’s modern identity. Other Clubs: One-club man, dedicated entirely to Dortmund.
Jürgen Kohler: The Defensive Rock
Position: Defender Career: 1995–2002 Achievements: Champions League winner, two Bundesliga titles, Intercontinental Cup winner. Iconic Moments: Anchoring the defense during the 1997 Champions League final, displaying unmatched composure. Legacy: Kohler remains one of Germany’s most respected defenders, with his time at Dortmund showcasing his leadership and tactical acumen. Other Clubs: Bayern Munich, Juventus, 1. FC Köln.
Robert Lewandowski: The Scoring Sensation
Position: Striker Career: 2010–2014 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal winner, Champions League finalist. Iconic Moments: Scoring four goals against Real Madrid in the 2013 Champions League semi-final. Legacy: Though he moved to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski’s incredible scoring feats at Dortmund cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest forwards. Other Clubs: Lech Poznań, Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona.
Lars Ricken: The Local Hero
Position: Midfielder Career: 1993–2009 Achievements: Three Bundesliga titles, Champions League winner, Intercontinental Cup winner. Iconic Moments: Scoring the famous chip against Juventus in the 1997 Champions League final, just seconds after coming on. Legacy: A Dortmund academy product, Ricken’s loyalty and iconic goal immortalized him in club history. Other Clubs: One-club man, devoted to Dortmund.
Stefan Klos: The Wall
Position: Goalkeeper Career: 1990–1998 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, Champions League winner. Iconic Moments: His numerous match-saving performances during Dortmund’s 1996–1997 Champions League campaign. Legacy: Klos was Dortmund’s dependable shot-stopper during a transformative period in the club’s history. Other Clubs: Rangers.
Roman Weidenfeller: The Ever-Reliable
Position: Goalkeeper Career: 2002–2018 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal winner, Champions League finalist. Iconic Moments: His heroic saves during the 2013 Champions League run, particularly against Málaga in the quarter-finals. Legacy: Weidenfeller’s longevity and consistency made him a fan favorite and a key figure in Dortmund’s resurgence. Other Clubs: 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: The Goal Machine
Position: Forward Career: 2013–2018 Achievements: Bundesliga top scorer (2016–2017), DFB-Pokal winner. Iconic Moments: Scoring in the DFB-Pokal final to secure the 2017 title. Legacy: Known for his electrifying pace and clinical finishing, Aubameyang was a nightmare for defenders and a joy for fans. Other Clubs: Saint-Étienne, Arsenal, Barcelona.
Ottmar Hitzfeld: The Mastermind (Coach)
Position: Manager Career: 1991–1997 Achievements: Two Bundesliga titles, Champions League winner. Iconic Moments: Leading Dortmund to their historic Champions League triumph in 1997. Legacy: Hitzfeld’s tactical genius and leadership transformed Dortmund into European giants. Other Clubs Managed: Bayern Munich, Grasshoppers.
Final Thoughts
These legends have defined Borussia Dortmund, embodying the passion, skill, and dedication that make the club so special. From Matthias Sammer’s brilliance to Marco Reus’ loyalty, their stories inspire fans and players alike. Want to explore the magic of Dortmund for yourself?
Check out our Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide to uncover the club’s rich history, visit iconic landmarks, and experience the electric atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park.
Team Soccer Trippers
Team Soccer Trippers is a group of passionate football travelers who have spent nearly 20 years exploring the world’s greatest stadiums, clubs, and matchday cultures. Our mission is to help fellow fans plan the ultimate football trip with expert insights, insider tips, and must-visit recommendations. Whether it's the electric atmosphere of a derby match, the history of legendary clubs, or the best football pubs in town—we’ve been there, and we’re here to guide you through it. Join us in discovering the world through football! Contact us? info@soccertrippers.com
ULTIMATE GUIDES
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For football fans, Borussia Dortmund isn’t just a club—it’s a way of life. From the roar of the Signal Iduna Park to the passion of its supporters, this iconic club offers more than just thrilling matches. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply visiting Dortmund, this guide will take you on an unforgettable journey through everything Borussia Dortmund has to offer. Get ready to dive deep into the heart of German football and discover why this club holds a special place in the world of sport.