Introduction
Borussia Dortmund, officially known as Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund (BVB), is one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs. Founded in 1909, the club has built a global reputation for its passionate fans, exciting attacking style, legendary players, and impressive trophy cabinet. Known for playing their home games at the famous Signal Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion), Borussia Dortmund has become a symbol of resilience, identity, and footballing excellence.
With eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal triumphs, and the historic UEFA Champions League victory in 1997, Dortmund stands tall among Europe’s football elite. The club is also famous for its famous “Yellow Wall”, one of the largest and most passionate fan sections in world football. Over the decades, legendary players such as Matthias Sammer, Michael Zorc, Lars Ricken, Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, and Erling Haaland have defined the club’s identity.
This article provides a complete journey into Borussia Dortmund’s history, greatest players, trophies, and European reputation — from its humble beginnings in 1909 to its modern-day status as a powerhouse of German and European football.
H2: Early History of Borussia Dortmund (1909–1945)
H3: Borussia DortmundThe Founding of Borussia Dortmund
BVB was founded on December 19, 1909 by a group of young men dissatisfied with the local church-sponsored football team.
The name “Borussia” was inspired by a nearby brewery called Borussia Brewery.
The founding members were led by Franz Jacobi, who is celebrated as the father of the club.
H3: Pre-War Development
In its early years, Dortmund played regional football in Westphalia.
The club struggled financially and administratively but slowly built a fan base.
By the 1930s, Dortmund began competing in the Gauliga, the top-tier league in Germany under the Nazi regime.
H2: Post-War Rebirth and Rise (1945–1960)
H3: Recovery After World War II
Like many German clubs, BVB had to rebuild after the war.
In 1947, the club achieved its first major breakthrough by reaching the German championship final.
H3: First National Titles
Dortmund won their first German championship in 1956, followed by another in 1957.
These early successes established BVB as one of the leading clubs in West Germany.
H2: The 1960s – European Recognition
H3: Bundesliga Formation and Success
The Bundesliga was created in 1963, and Dortmund was among the founding members.
In 1965, BVB won the DFB-Pokal, their first domestic cup.
H3: First European Trophy (1966)
Borussia Dortmund made history by winning the 1966 European Cup Winners’ Cup, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
This made Dortmund the first German club to win a European trophy, a milestone that gave them international recognition.
H2: Decline and Struggles (1970s–1980s)
H3: Relegation and Recovery
Dortmund faced serious struggles during the 1970s, including relegation in 1972.
The club returned to the Bundesliga in 1976 but remained mid-table.
H3: Financial Problems
The 1980s brought near-bankruptcy.
The fans played a crucial role in keeping the club alive, showing the passion that defines the “Yellow Wall” today.
H2: The Golden 1990s – European Glory
H3: Ottmar Hitzfeld Era
Under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, Dortmund rose to prominence in the 1990s.
The club signed world-class players like Matthias Sammer, Andreas Möller, Karl-Heinz Riedle, and Júlio César.
H3: Bundesliga Titles
Dortmund won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996.
H3: Champions League Triumph (1997)
The pinnacle came in 1997 when Dortmund won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final.
Lars Ricken scored a legendary lob just 16 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
That same year, BVB also won the Intercontinental Cup by beating Cruzeiro.
H2: The 2000s – Struggles and Revival
H3: Bundesliga 2002 & Financial Crisis
Dortmund won the Bundesliga in 2002 but soon fell into massive debt.
By 2005, the club was on the verge of bankruptcy before a financial restructuring saved them.
H3: Jürgen Klopp Revolution
In 2008, Jürgen Klopp was appointed head coach.
Klopp rebuilt the team with young talents like Robert Lewandowski, Mario Götze, Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gündogan, and Marco Reus.
H3: Double & Champions League Final
Dortmund won the Bundesliga in 2011 and 2012, including a domestic double.
In 2013, they reached the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley, losing narrowly to Bayern Munich 2-1.
H2: The Modern Era (2014–2025)
H3: Post-Klopp Years
Dortmund struggled after Klopp left in 2015 but remained competitive.
Thomas Tuchel, Lucien Favre, and Edin Terzić guided the team to multiple DFB-Pokal wins (2017, 2021).
H3: New Stars – Haaland, Sancho, Bellingham
BVB became famous for developing young stars.
Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham all shined before moving for record fees.
H3: Bundesliga Challenge
Dortmund nearly won the Bundesliga in 2023 but lost on the final day.
Still, the club remains Bayern Munich’s biggest rival in German football.
H2: Borussia Dortmund’s Greatest Players
H2: Borussia Dortmund’s Trophy Cabinet
8 Bundesliga Titles
1 UEFA Champions League (1997)
1 European Cup Winners’ Cup (1966)
1 Intercontinental Cup (1997)
H2: European Legacy and Reputation
Dortmund is known for attacking football and producing world-class talent.
The Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park is legendary, holding over 25,000 fans in the Südtribüne.
BVB is respected worldwide as a passionate, community-driven club with consistent European presence.
