Dortmund consistently attracts the most exciting young talents across Europe, developing them to ultimately dominate world football.
Over the years, we’ve seen Borussia Dortmund groom the best young talents, turning them into well-refined, world-class players.
Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus and Aubameyang are examples of players who donned the black and yellow jersey and became world-class footballers.
Playing Time
According to Transfermarkt, in the last 12 years, Dortmund ranks fourth for minutes played by U23s across Europe elite leagues.
In 2011, Jurgen Klopp led a young BVB side with an average age of 24 years to her first league title in nine years.
70% of the total minutes played in the league came from players aged 22 or below. They also contributed 70% of the goals scored.
The likes of Mario Gotze, Nuri Sahin and Lewandowski instantly became cult heroes, as they led the club to the domestic double the next season.
Catch Them Young
While most teams make big-name signings for instant success, Borussia Dortmund instead opts for youngsters with potentials, after all, if you’re good enough then you’re old enough.
This has prompted a plethora of youngsters to move to the German side, hoping to be the next big thing.
In 2017, BVB snapped up 17-year-old Jadon Sancho from Manchester City for €7.8million.
Fast forward three years, Sancho is arguably the most exciting young footballer on the planet.
His world-class performances has various top clubs across Europe linked with him, but they would have to cough up over €100 million for his services.
Limited Pressure
A move to Dortmund, often eliminates the pressure felt at top clubs to hit the ground running, offering players a chance to perfect their game while competing for the best trophies.
With a host of European giants clamoring for Erling Håland’s signature, the 19-year-old goal machine moved to the Signal Iduna Park, threading the same path Bayern Munich’s hitman Robert Lewandowski once took.
Since then, he has scored 10 goals and two assists in 11 games for the club.
Selling Club
The willingness to also release their best players is also a vital part of how the club operates.
They offer proper tutelage and exposure to the players, and in return, receive dazzling performances, trophies and hefty transfer fees.
Over time, this trade-by-barter understanding has profited both club and player.
Not only did Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Dembele and home-grown Christian Pulisic depart the club as world-class footballers, but a net transfer fee of €240 million was realized from their sale.
Many often consider them a ‘stepping-stone’ club. This is because the opportunities given to youngsters at Borussia Dortmund has been impeccable.
Players like Dan-Axel Zagadou, Erling Håland and Giovanni Reyna have shown they have what it takes to become the next world-class players.
They might as well become club legends like Marco Reus and Mats Hummels or leave to conquer world football like Robert Lewandowski.
