Borussia Dortmund fans criticized midfielder Felix Nmecha’s goal celebration, prompting a Christian organization for footballers to say its aim is to “demonstrate love and respect towards everyone.”
A Dortmund supporters’ group stated that it objected to Nmecha’s goal celebration because it referred to a campaign by Ballers in God named ‘The King’s Return.’
The supporters’ group said the external campaign discriminates against homosexuality and transgender people, portrays abortion as “Satan’s plan,” and conflicts with Dortmund’s values of tolerance and respect for diversity.
To mark his two goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Elversberg, Nmecha pointed to the sky and mimed removing a crown from his head and setting it on the ground.
He said there had been “misunderstandings” about his celebration and that it was “not intended to promote myself or any organization.”
Quoting a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD, the fans’ group said the campaign “advocates extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity.”
Ballers in God, an external club founded by former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock.
The organization promotes Christian beliefs and counts high-profile followers such as England’s Marc Guehi, Bukayo Saka, and former Brazil forward Kaka.
In response to the supporters’ group’s claims, Ballers in God said, “We are encouraged by player-led movements such as The King’s Return, where footballers themselves take the initiative to express their faith in Jesus.
“Our desire is not only to share our hope but also to demonstrate love and respect towards everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs.
“Our focus has always been, and will always be, to point people to Jesus with grace and love.”
Nmecha said: “My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.”
A year ago, the Premier League pulled out of the Rainbow Laces campaign and brought its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall to an end.
In 2024, Sam Morsy, who was Ipswich captain at the time and is a Muslim, stated that he did not wear a rainbow armband due to his “religious beliefs.”
When he captained Palace, Guehi wrote “I [heart] Jesus” on his rainbow armband.
Manchester United scrapped plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after a player refused to do so.
