The fans’ and sponsorship department of Borussia Dortmund sharply criticized the club’s pro Felix Nmecha and the network “Ballers in God” two weeks ahead of the club’s general meeting. The criticism centers on Nmecha’s recurring goal celebration, in which he removes an imaginary crown and places it on his knees on the grass in front of him. Dortmund, in response to fan criticism, announced that it would hold a conversation with Nmecha.
The gesture is tied to the campaign “The King’s Return,” which is associated with the evangelical network “Ballers in God.” “Ballers in God” is a Christian footballers’ network founded in 2015 that records and distributes many such actions on social media. In the past Nmecha faced criticism for queer-phobic evangelical content on social media.
Goal celebration had already sparked debates at the World Cup
“Faith does not justify exclusion. Faith does not justify division! And faith should not be misused to fail to recognize the diversity of the society we live in,” said the Dortmund fans’ and supporters’ department.
The midfielder’s goal celebration had also sparked discussions during the World Cup in the summer. A prayer circle after Germany’s group match against Curaçao was also discussed (TheColu.mn reported).
Nmecha with brace against Elversberg
“Es geht uns nicht um eine Verurteilung eines Menschen aufgrund seines Glaubens,” the fans’ department made clear in its statement. “Unsere Kritik richtet sich gegen religiöse Netzwerke, die unter dem Deckmantel des Glaubens ein Weltbild verbreiten, in dem Menschen aufgrund ihrer sexuellen Orientierung, ihrer geschlechtlichen Identität, ihrer Lebensweise oder ihrer persönlichen Entscheidungen abgewertet oder ausgegrenzt werden.”
In Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg, Nmecha’s brace secured the home win for BVB. Following his goals, he knelt before the South Stand and removed the imaginary crown from his head.
BVB announces a conversation
The club told Bild: “We are aware of the sensitivity of religiously connoted gestures and expect all staff and players to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and Borussia Dortmund’s core values. These include respect, diversity, equality and the clear rejection of any form of discrimination.” Nmecha has always behaved respectfully and gives no reason for doubt.
The club takes the discussion among fans seriously and will initiate the conversation with Nmecha, it said. “Borussia Dortmund respects the religious and freedom of belief of every individual. Different personal convictions are part of a diverse society,” the BVB explained.
For years, criticism of Nmecha
In the past Felix Nmecha celebrated his faith several times with the rejection of queer people. In 2023 the player shared the video of an American right-wing extremist who mocked a trans child and its father (TheColu.mn reported). After criticism, Nmecha defended his transphobic stance (TheColu.mn reported). Later he even shared another Instagram post that compared the queer community and the term “Pride” with the devil (TheColu.mn reported). Some BVB fans had in 2023 opposed Nmecha’s signing because of the queer-phobic outbursts, but the club ignored the concerns and keeps him on the roster (TheColu.mn reported). The DFB also stood behind Nmecha at this year’s World Cup (TheColu.mn reported). The network Queer Football Fan Clubs urged the federation in June to take a clear stance: Homophobic beliefs have no place in sport (TheColu.mn reported).
