Felix Nmecha sparked controversy in Germany by celebrating a goal for Borussia Dortmund with a religious gesture linked to an evangelical network condemned by the club's fans.
The midfielder performed "The King's Return" after scoring against SV Elversberg in a 2-1 victory on Saturday. He removed an imaginary crown from his head and placed it on the pitch. The gesture references a campaign by Ballers in God, a network of Christian evangelical footballers founded in 2015 to which Nmecha belongs.
The club's official fan and support department condemned the celebration. It criticized Nmecha's support for "religious networks which, under the pretext of faith, spread a worldview in which people are demeaned or excluded because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, lifestyle or personal decisions." The statement clarified that the criticism "expressly does not concern" Nmecha's right to his religious beliefs. It targets instead the need to "distance ourselves clearly from ideologies and networks whose documented statements and activities, in our opinion, are incompatible with the values of an open and diverse Borussia Dortmund."
Rudi Völler, sporting director of the German Football Association, confirmed he will hold talks with Nmecha. "Of course there is freedom of religion and freedom of belief," Völler said. "Everyone can practice their faith to some degree. Some like it, others don't." He added that the DFB will discuss the matter with Nmecha again because it has become a public issue. The DFB is in contact with Borussia Dortmund and will handle the case similarly.
Germany national team coach Jürgen Klopp has already spoken with Nmecha about the gesture. According to the German Press Agency, the topic was discussed at the team hotel in Herzogenaurach. Borussia Dortmund announced it will hold its own meeting with the player upon his return. Nmecha is available to Klopp for Germany's matches against Serbia and the Netherlands during the Nations League break.
The controversy follows a similar incident at this summer's World Cup. Nmecha used the same celebration after scoring in Germany's 7-1 victory over Curaçao and prayed with opposing players on the pitch in Houston afterward. Research by German broadcasters including ARD has raised concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion positions within the broader environment of Ballers in God. Nmecha has previously rejected accusations that his evangelical social media content was homophobic or queer-hostile.
The case echoes a dispute from about a year ago. Nmecha then offered condolences to the family of murdered activist Charlie Kirk. Elon Musk criticized Borussia Dortmund on X, writing "Shame on this football club!" The club had not banned any statements. Then-sporting director Sebastian Kehl had merely sought a conversation with the player. The club's member assembly on 22 November can discuss the case and find a position.
