45 Facts About Borussia Dortmund (BVB)

History of Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund, often referred to as BVB, has a rich history that dates back over a century. This club has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but its legacy remains strong.

1. Founded in 1909: Borussia Dortmund was established on December 19, 1909, by a group of young men unhappy with their church-sponsored football team.

2. Name Origin: The name "Borussia" is derived from the Latin name for Prussia, a historical region in Germany.

3. First Championship: BVB won their first national championship in 1956, marking the beginning of their rise in German football.

4. European Glory: In 1966, Borussia Dortmund became the first German club to win a European competition, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

5. Financial Struggles: The club faced severe financial difficulties in the early 2000s, nearly leading to bankruptcy.

Stadium and Fans

The atmosphere at Borussia Dortmund's home games is legendary. The fans, known for their passion, create an electrifying environment.

6. Signal Iduna Park: The home stadium, Signal Iduna Park, is the largest stadium in Germany, with a capacity of over 81,000.

7. The Yellow Wall: The Südtribüne, or South Stand, is famously known as "The Yellow Wall" and can hold 25,000 standing fans, making it the largest terrace for standing spectators in European football.

8. Record Attendance: The stadium holds the record for the highest average attendance in Europe, often exceeding 80,000 fans per game.

9. Fan Ownership: Borussia Dortmund is 100% owned by its fans, adhering to the 50+1 rule which ensures that members hold the majority of voting rights.

10. Passionate Supporters: BVB fans are known for their unwavering support, even during tough times, filling the stadium regardless of the team's performance.

Iconic Players

Borussia Dortmund has been home to many legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the club's history.

11. Matthias Sammer: A key player in the 1990s, Sammer won the Ballon d'Or in 1996 while playing for Dortmund.

12. Michael Zorc: Zorc holds the record for the most appearances for BVB, playing 572 matches between 1981 and 1998.

13. Marco Reus: Current captain Marco Reus is a fan favorite, known for his loyalty and skill on the field.

14. Robert Lewandowski: Before moving to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski scored 103 goals for Dortmund, becoming one of the Bundesliga's top strikers.

15. Jürgen Kohler: A defensive stalwart, Kohler was instrumental in Dortmund's success during the 1990s.

Achievements and Records

Borussia Dortmund's trophy cabinet is filled with numerous accolades, reflecting their success over the years.

16. Bundesliga Titles: BVB has won the Bundesliga eight times, with their most recent title coming in the 2011-2012 season.

17. DFB-Pokal Victories: The club has lifted the DFB-Pokal, Germany's premier cup competition, five times.

18. Champions League Triumph: In 1997, Dortmund won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final.

19. Supercup Wins: Borussia Dortmund has claimed the DFL-Supercup six times, showcasing their dominance in German football.

20. Youth Development: BVB is renowned for its youth academy, producing talents like Mario Götze and Christian Pulisic.

Rivalries

Rivalries add an extra layer of excitement to football, and Borussia Dortmund has its fair share of fierce competitors.

21. Revierderby: The most intense rivalry is with Schalke 04, known as the Revierderby. Matches between these two teams are highly anticipated.

22. Bayern Munich: Games against Bayern Munich, often referred to as "Der Klassiker," are crucial in the Bundesliga title race.

23. Borussia Mönchengladbach: Another notable rivalry exists with Borussia Mönchengladbach, adding to the competitive spirit in German football.

24. Hamburger SV: Historically, matches against Hamburger SV have been significant, though HSV's recent struggles have lessened the intensity.

25. Cologne: The rivalry with 1. FC Köln, while not as fierce as others, still brings out passionate performances from both sides.

Memorable Matches

Certain matches in Borussia Dortmund's history stand out for their drama, significance, and unforgettable moments.

26. 1997 Champions League Final: Dortmund's 3-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final remains one of the club's greatest achievements.

27. 2012 Bundesliga Title: Securing the Bundesliga title in 2012 with a record 81 points was a historic moment for BVB.

28. 2013 Champions League Semi-Final: The 4-1 thrashing of Real Madrid in the 2013 Champions League semi-final, with Lewandowski scoring all four goals, is legendary.

29. 2017 DFB-Pokal Final: Winning the DFB-Pokal in 2017 against Eintracht Frankfurt was a significant triumph after several near misses.

30. 2019 Revierderby: The 4-4 draw against Schalke in 2017, after being 4-0 up, is one of the most dramatic matches in Revierderby history.

Club Culture and Traditions

Borussia Dortmund's culture and traditions are deeply rooted in its history and community, making it a unique club.

31. You'll Never Walk Alone: Fans sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" before every home game, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere.

32. Black and Yellow: The club's colors, black and yellow, are iconic and instantly recognizable.

33. Fan Choreographies: BVB supporters are known for their elaborate choreographies, often creating stunning visual displays in the stands.

34. Community Involvement: Borussia Dortmund is heavily involved in community projects, supporting local initiatives and charities.

35. BVB Evonik Football School: The club runs a football school, providing training and development for young players worldwide.

Modern Era and Future Prospects

Borussia Dortmund continues to be a force in German and European football, with a bright future ahead.

36. Lucien Favre: Under the management of Lucien Favre, BVB has seen a resurgence in recent years, competing at the highest levels.

37. Young Talents: The club consistently attracts and develops young talents, such as Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland.

38. Global Fanbase: BVB's fanbase extends far beyond Germany, with supporters' clubs worldwide.

39. Innovative Marketing: The club's marketing strategies, including social media engagement, have helped grow its global brand.

40. Sustainable Practices: Borussia Dortmund is committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices in its operations.

Fun Facts

Some quirky and lesser-known facts about Borussia Dortmund add to the club's charm and appeal.

41. Mascot: The club's mascot, Emma the Bee, is a beloved figure among fans, especially children.

42. Record Transfer: The most expensive transfer in BVB's history was the sale of Ousmane Dembélé to Barcelona for €105 million.

43. Dortmund's Brewery: The club's founding members met at a local brewery, which still exists today.

44. Unique Nickname: BVB is also known as "Die Schwarzgelben," which means "The Black and Yellows."

45. Charitable Initiatives: Borussia Dortmund regularly participates in charitable initiatives, including supporting refugees and underprivileged communities.

The Final Whistle

Borussia Dortmund's story is packed with rich history, passionate fans, and remarkable achievements. From their humble beginnings in 1909 to becoming one of Europe's football giants, BVB has always been about more than just the game. Their iconic yellow and black colors, the electrifying atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, and their commitment to nurturing young talent make them stand out.

Whether it's their fierce rivalry with Bayern Munich or their unforgettable Champions League triumph in 1997, BVB's legacy is undeniable. The club's dedication to its community and fans is evident in every match, every chant, and every victory.

So, next time you watch a Dortmund game, remember you're witnessing a piece of football history. Here's to many more thrilling moments and unforgettable memories with Borussia Dortmund. Heja BVB!