Borussia Dortmund names second-division exec as sporting director

March 24, 2026 - 04:38

In a strategic move to bolster its football operations, Borussia Dortmund has appointed Lars Ricken as its new sporting director. The 47-year-old executive, a legendary former player for the club, is being promoted from within, where he most recently served as the head of the club's youth academy.

The appointment signals Dortmund's continued commitment to a philosophy of developing and identifying talent. Ricken is celebrated for his deep understanding of the club's culture and his successful track record in nurturing young players through the renowned youth system. His intimate knowledge of the club's structure and values is seen as a key asset in his new role.

Ricken steps into the position following the departure of Sebastian Kehl, who moved into a broader managing director role. The club's leadership expressed strong confidence in Ricken's ability to bridge the gap between the academy and the first team, ensuring a pipeline of homegrown talent. His promotion is viewed as a natural step for a club icon who has already proven his administrative capabilities behind the scenes.

Fans and pundits alike will watch closely as Ricken takes on the demanding responsibilities of squad planning and transfers. His mandate will be to maintain Dortmund's competitive edge both domestically and in Europe, while steadfastly adhering to the club's identity of cultivating exciting, young footballers. The appointment underscores a preference for internal continuity and trusted leadership at Signal Iduna Park.