Dortmund pressures Nmecha over controversial celebration

Dortmund has told Nmecha to stop celebrating with a controversial gesture referencing a Christian network linked to anti-LGBTQI+ positions.

Felix Nmecha sparked anger among Borussia Dortmund supporters after celebrating his brace against Elversberg (2-1) on Saturday with a gesture mimicking "The King's Return" — placing an imaginary crown on the ground. The celebration references "Ballers in God", a Christian footballers' network of which Nmecha is a member.

German media investigations revealed the network holds positions hostile to LGBTQI+ people and abortion.

Dortmund has opened discussions with the 26-year-old international to ask him to stop repeating the gesture. The matter was debated at a meeting of the club's supporters' department on Monday, attended by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, who indicated Nmecha must refrain from the celebration in future.

The German Football Federation's sporting director Rudi Völler also plans to speak with Nmecha about his links to the network.

Nmecha defended himself on Monday, saying the gesture was about laying his crown before Jesus, his hope and strength, and that his message was never intended to promote intolerance, discrimination or hatred. The incident is not his first controversy: Dortmund previously disciplined him in September 2025 for paying tribute to American far-right influencer Charlie Kirk, and his 2023 signing sparked backlash over homophobic and anti-queer social media posts.