Sports · Football · 14 hrs ago
Nmecha’s celebration prompts debate over faith and inclusion at Dortmund
Felix Nmecha scored twice for Borussia Dortmund in a Bundesliga win over Elversberg, then made a gesture of removing a crown and placing it at Jesus’ feet.
The celebration is linked to The King’s Return, a campaign by the Ballers in God network, which uses football to promote Christian faith.
Dortmund’s supporters’ group said its concern was not Nmecha’s faith, but the campaign’s links to views it says can marginalize people.
A German public broadcaster’s investigation linked the campaign’s website to a counselling service run by US nonprofit Groundwire, whose counsellors described homosexuality as a sin.
The dispute raises questions about inclusion at Dortmund, whose stated values include human rights and equality regardless of sexual orientation or faith.
Nmecha said his message was one of love and respect and was not intended to spread intolerance or hatred.
Dortmund and Germany coach Jürgen Klopp are expected to speak with Nmecha, while the club says it takes supporters’ concerns and the discussion seriously.
Felix Nmecha’s crown-removing goal celebration has prompted Borussia Dortmund supporters to question whether it aligns with the club’s commitment to inclusion.
The celebration is associated with the Christian group Ballers in God and its The King’s Return campaign.
Dortmund’s fan and support department said faith does not justify exclusion or division.
Nmecha said his message was not intended to spread intolerance, discrimination or hatred.
The club said it takes supporters’ concerns and the related questions seriously.
- Who
- Felix Nmecha, Borussia Dortmund’s fan and support department, and the club.
- What
- Nmecha’s goal celebration, associated with a Christian campaign, has prompted debate about faith and inclusion.
- When
- After Dortmund’s match against Elversberg; the articles were published on November 9 and 10, 2026.
- Where
- Borussia Dortmund, Germany.
- Why
- Supporters said the campaign raises concerns about exclusionary views, while Nmecha said his message was one of love and respect.
Borussia Dortmund fan and support department
Felix Nmecha
Campaign and inclusion
Borussia Dortmund fan and support department
The department said the campaign raised concerns about religious networks promoting views that marginalize people.
Felix Nmecha
Nmecha said his celebration was not intended to spread intolerance, discrimination or hatred.
Faith and club values
Borussia Dortmund fan and support department
The department said faith does not justify exclusion or division and that it would not stay silent on club values.
Felix Nmecha
Nmecha said Christians’ message is love and respect for every person, regardless of their beliefs or worldview.
Nmecha joined Dortmund amid protests from fans over posts he had shared or liked.
ARD reported on The King’s Return campaign and links to the evangelical nonprofit Groundwire.
Nmecha used the celebration after scoring against Paderborn.
Nmecha scored twice and repeated the celebration, prompting a statement from Dortmund’s fan and support department.
Nmecha said on social media that his message was not intended to spread intolerance, discrimination or hatred.
- Goals against Elversberg
- Nmecha scored twice
- Campaign
- The King’s Return
- Associated group
- Ballers in God (BIG)
- BIG Instagram followers
- Nearly 800,000
- Dortmund signing
- Nmecha joined in 2023
3 sources
What people are saying
Faith does not justify exclusion. Faith does not justify division. Borussia Dortmund is a club for everyone.
Where religious beliefs are used to deny people their dignity or equality, our tolerance for intolerance ends.
My message was never intended to spread intolerance, discrimination, or hatred in any form.
As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for every person—regardless of where someone comes from, what they believe in, or what worldview they hold.