Borussia Dortmund and Sebastian Kehl are ending their collaboration with immediate effect

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA (“Borussia Dortmund”) and its current Director of Sports, Sebastian Kehl, are ending their collaboration with immediate effect. Both parties reached this decision by mutual agreement this Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund’s managing director Sport, Lars Ricken, explains: “In a very open discussion, Sebastian Kehl, Carsten Cramer and me came to the mutual conclusion that this summer is the right time for change. To allow both sides to prepare for this, we have mutually agreed to an immediate end of our collaboration. Sebastian and I also share a long history. Not only did we play together for Borussia Dortmund, but we also won the German championship together in 2002. Sebastian has made an enormous contribution to our club, and we are very grateful to him for his great dedication.”

Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for the BVB executive board, says: “Sebastian Kehl’s departure naturally marks a turning point in our sporting leadership. To drive forward the changes needed for the upcoming season and to give Sebastian time to focus on the next steps in his professional future, this separation is the logical step at this time. We would like to thank Sebastian for his dedication, his commitment to the club, and his successes, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Sebastian Kehl says: “Borussia Dortmund has been a part of my life for half my life, and I feel an extremely strong connection to this great club. Nevertheless, we have now come to the mutual conclusion that it is time to move on—both for BVB and for me. Lars, Carsten, and I reached this decision today during a constructive discussion. I owe a great deal to Borussia Dortmund and am proud to have been part of the BVB family for around 24 years. During this time, I’ve been able to celebrate so many incredible successes with the club, its staff, and its fantastic fans, and it will always make me proud to be part of the club’s history. The groundwork has been laid here, and I wish the club nothing but the very best as it embarks on this new chapter and continued success. Borussia Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the South Stand will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been an honor."

Borussia Dortmund will provide information regarding Sebastian Kehl’s successor in due course.

Dortmund, 22. March 2026

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Borussia Dortmund Geschäftsführungs-GmbH