Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most storied football clubs, continues to build a squad capable of challenging for domestic and European honors. Known for their vibrant style of play, commitment to youth development, and shrewd transfer market strategies, Dortmund’s 2024/25 roster is a blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting young talents. This season, the club aims to bridge the gap with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga while making a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. Below, we take an in-depth look at the squad, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with detailed profiles of each player.
Goalkeepers
Gregor Kobel
Nationality: Swiss
Former Clubs: VfB Stuttgart, TSG Hoffenheim, FC Augsburg
Transfer Fee: €15 million (from VfB Stuttgart in 2021)
Gregor Kobel has established himself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in Europe. Since joining Dortmund, he has been a consistent presence between the posts, known for his quick reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations. Kobel’s distribution and composure under pressure have also improved significantly, making him a key component of Dortmund’s build-up play. At 26, he is entering his prime and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga.
Marcel Lotka
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Hertha BSC, Polonia Warszawa
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Hertha BSC in 2022)
Marcel Lotka serves as a dependable backup to Kobel. The young German goalkeeper has shown promise in his limited appearances, displaying excellent shot-stopping abilities and a strong work ethic. Lotka’s agility and willingness to learn from Kobel have made him a valuable member of the squad. While he is yet to fully establish himself as a first-team regular, his potential is undeniable.
Silas Ostrzinski
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: None (academy graduate)
Transfer Fee: N/A
A product of Dortmund’s renowned youth academy, Silas Ostrzinski is the third-choice goalkeeper. At just 20 years old, he is highly regarded for his technical skills and composure. Ostrzinski has been a standout performer for Dortmund’s youth teams and is seen as a future prospect for the senior squad. His development will be closely monitored as he gains experience in training and occasional cup appearances.
Defenders
Mats Hummels
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona (youth)
Transfer Fee: €30.5 million (from Bayern Munich in 2019)
Mats Hummels remains a cornerstone of Dortmund’s defense. The veteran center-back combines tactical intelligence, aerial dominance, and exceptional passing range. Despite his age, Hummels continues to perform at an elite level, mentoring younger defenders while contributing with crucial tackles and interceptions. His leadership on and off the pitch is invaluable to the squad.
Nico Schlotterbeck
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: SC Freiburg, Union Berlin (loan)
Transfer Fee: €20 million (from SC Freiburg in 2022)
Nico Schlotterbeck has quickly become one of Dortmund’s most important defenders. Known for his physicality, ball-playing ability, and reading of the game, Schlotterbeck forms a formidable partnership with Hummels. His versatility allows him to play in a back three or four, and his ability to carry the ball out of defense adds an extra dimension to Dortmund’s play.
Julian Ryerson
Nationality: Norwegian
Former Clubs: Union Berlin, Viking FK
Transfer Fee: €5 million (from Union Berlin in 2023)
Julian Ryerson has proven to be a shrewd signing for Dortmund. The Norwegian full-back is known for his tireless work rate, defensive solidity, and ability to contribute in attack. Ryerson’s versatility allows him to play on either flank, providing depth and flexibility to the squad. His consistent performances have made him a fan favorite.
Ramy Bensebaini
Nationality: Algerian
Former Clubs: Borussia Mönchengladbach, Rennes
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2023)
Ramy Bensebaini brings experience and quality to Dortmund’s left-back position. The Algerian international is known for his defensive discipline, set-piece prowess, and ability to score crucial goals. Bensebaini’s arrival has added depth and competition to the squad, ensuring Dortmund remain solid at the back.
Thomas Meunier
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge
Transfer Fee: €12 million (from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020)
Thomas Meunier remains a reliable option at right-back. The Belgian international is known for his crossing ability, defensive awareness, and experience at the highest level. While he faces competition from younger players, Meunier’s professionalism and leadership make him an important squad member.
Soumaïla Coulibaly
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain (youth)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021)
Soumaïla Coulibaly is one of Dortmund’s most promising young defenders. The French center-back has impressed with his physicality, composure, and ability to read the game. Coulibaly’s development has been steady, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.
Tom Rothe
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: None (academy graduate)
Transfer Fee: N/A
Tom Rothe is another academy product making waves in the first team. The young left-back is known for his attacking instincts, crossing ability, and defensive work rate. Rothe’s potential has earned him opportunities in cup competitions, and he is seen as a future star for Dortmund.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Birmingham City
Transfer Fee: €25 million (from Birmingham City in 2020)
Jude Bellingham has blossomed into one of the world’s best midfielders. The Englishman’s combination of technical skill, physicality, and tactical intelligence makes him a complete midfielder. Bellingham’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on multiple occasions. At just 21, he is already a cornerstone of Dortmund’s midfield.
Emre Can
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen
Transfer Fee: €25 million (from Juventus in 2020)
Emre Can provides experience and versatility in midfield. The German international is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, center-back, or box-to-box midfielder. Can’s leadership, tackling, and ability to dictate play make him a vital part of the squad.
Salih Özcan
Nationality: Turkish
Former Clubs: 1. FC Köln, Holstein Kiel (loan)
Transfer Fee: €5 million (from 1. FC Köln in 2022)
Salih Özcan has been a revelation since joining Dortmund. The Turkish midfielder is known for his energy, ball-winning ability, and passing range. Özcan’s work rate and tactical discipline make him an ideal partner for Bellingham in midfield.
Giovanni Reyna
Nationality: American
Former Clubs: New York City FC (youth)
Transfer Fee: N/A
Giovanni Reyna is one of Dortmund’s most exciting talents. The American playmaker is known for his creativity, dribbling, and eye for goal. Reyna’s ability to unlock defenses and contribute in the final third makes him a key player for Dortmund.
Felix Nmecha
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: VfL Wolfsburg, Manchester City (youth)
Transfer Fee: €15 million (from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023)
Felix Nmecha has quickly adapted to life at Dortmund. The German midfielder is known for his physicality, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Nmecha’s versatility allows him to play in multiple midfield roles, adding depth to the squad.
Abdoulaye Kamara
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain (youth)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021)
Abdoulaye Kamara is a promising young midfielder with excellent technical skills and composure. The Frenchman’s ability to control the tempo of the game and break up play has earned him praise from coaches and fans alike.
Forwards
Donyell Malen
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal (youth)
Transfer Fee: €30 million (from PSV Eindhoven in 2021)
Donyell Malen is Dortmund’s primary goal threat. The Dutch forward is known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. Malen’s ability to play across the front line adds versatility to Dortmund’s attack.
Karim Adeyemi
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, FC Liefering
Transfer Fee: €30 million (from Red Bull Salzburg in 2022)
Karim Adeyemi is a dynamic winger with blistering pace and technical ability. The German international has become a key player for Dortmund, contributing with goals and assists.
Youssoufa Moukoko
Nationality: German
Former Clubs: None (academy graduate)
Transfer Fee: N/A
Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the most exciting young strikers in world football. The German prodigy is known for his goal-scoring instincts, movement, and composure in front of goal.
Sebastien Haller
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: West Ham United, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt
Transfer Fee: €31 million (from Ajax in 2022)
Sebastien Haller provides a physical presence and aerial threat in attack. The Ivorian striker is known for his hold-up play, link-up ability, and goal-scoring prowess.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Manchester City (youth)
Transfer Fee: N/A
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is a highly talented winger with excellent dribbling skills and creativity. The Englishman’s potential has earned him opportunities in the first team, and he is seen as a future star.
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund’s 2024/25 squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, with world-class talent in every position. The club’s commitment to developing young players while making astute signings has positioned them as serious contenders for silverware. With a strong core of players and a clear vision for the future, Dortmund is poised to challenge for the Bundesliga title and make an impact in Europe. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for the Black and Yellow faithful.
