BVB and Sebastian Kehl part ways | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, explains: “In a very frank discussion, Sebastian Kehl, Carsten Cramer and I 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 terminate Sebastian’s contract with immediate effect. 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 rendered enormous service to our club and we are very grateful to him for his great commitment.”

Since 2018, Kehl had spent four years as head of BVB’s professional squad, during which time the club won the DFB-Pokal in 2021. In the summer of 2022, the former BVB professional took over the role of sporting director and led the Black & Yellows to the UEFA Champions League final in 2024.

Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for the BVB board, says: “Sebastian Kehl’s departure naturally marks a turning point in our sporting leadership. To drive forward the changes to be initiated with a view to the new season, and also to give Sebastian time to take the next steps in his professional future, this separation is the logical step at this juncture. We would like to thank Sebastian for his commitment, his dedication and his successes, and wish him all the best for the future.”

As a player, Kehl wore the Black & Yellow shirt for 13 years and won not only three German league titles with Borussia Dortmund, but also the club’s first ever domestic double – the league title and the DFB-Pokal – in 2012. In his various roles, Kehl featured in a total of 748 matches for Borussia Dortmund.

Sebastian Kehl says: “Borussia Dortmund has been part of me for half of my life and I feel an extremely strong bond with this magnificent club. Nevertheless, we have now jointly come to the conclusion that it is time to move on – both for BVB and for me. Lars, Carsten and I reached this conclusion 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 have 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; I wish the club all the very best in its new direction and continued success. Borussia Dortmund, the incredible stadium and the South Stand will always have a special place in my heart. It has been an honour."