Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has held a personal conversation with Felix Nmecha regarding the midfielder’s controversial “crown” goal celebration.
In a report first published by DIE WELT, Watzke confirmed he held a one-hour video call with the 26-year-old player to discuss the gesture and its impact on the club’s fanbase.
Nmecha has utilized the celebration following his goals, including his performance in the 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg last weekend. The player has stated the gesture is intended to demonstrate his connection to Jesus and God. However, the symbol is also associated with the network “Ballers in God,” a group that has drawn criticism for homophobic and anti-queer statements made by its members.
Watzke expressed his disapproval of the association during the call, noting that the values held by the network conflict with the club’s code of conduct. “The basic values of Borussia Dortmund and the basic assessment of Ballers in God are not compatible,” Watzke said on the podcast Ausgerechnet, as reported by DIE WELT. “And we don’t want that in our living room.”
The Dortmund chief suggested that Nmecha should refrain from using the specific gesture in the future if it continues to divide the club’s supporters. “If you notice that it splits the fans, do you then perhaps have the insight to just not do it anymore?” Watzke recalled telling the player during their conversation. According to the club official, Nmecha has agreed to consider the request.
Watzke, who is a practicing Catholic, clarified that his intervention is not an attempt to restrict the player’s personal religious expression. He emphasized that the club prefers to rely on the player’s own realization rather than imposing disciplinary sanctions. “Nobody wants to forbid anything, nobody wants to punish,” Watzke told DIE WELT. “I am the last person who wants to forbid anyone from praying.”
The club CEO also indicated that he consulted with other key figures in German football regarding the situation. Watzke stated he had coordinated with national team coach Jürgen Klopp and DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, both of whom have also spoken with Nmecha. The objective, according to Watzke, is to reach a reasonable solution through dialogue.
Nmecha has previously rejected allegations that his celebration promotes intolerance or discrimination. He has maintained that his actions are strictly a reflection of his Christian faith and that he does not intend to support any specific organization or promote exclusionary ideologies through the gesture.
As the club seeks a resolution, the focus remains on whether Nmecha will alter his routine in upcoming matches. The midfielder is currently expected to be available for Borussia Dortmund’s next scheduled fixture, with no formal disciplinary action confirmed by the club at this time.
Worth a look
