Dortmund supporters' group criticises Felix Nmecha celebration after Elversberg win

A Borussia Dortmund supporters' group has criticised midfielder Felix Nmecha’s goal celebration after he scored twice in Dortmund’s 2-1 win over Elversberg on Saturday, saying the gestures referenced a campaign called 'The King's Return'.

Nmecha, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Wolfsburg in 2023, has been singled out by the fans' group because they say the celebration referenced the campaign run by Ballers in God. The supporters' group claimed the campaign discriminates against homosexuality and transgender people, described abortion as "Satan's plan" and argued the campaign is at odds with Dortmund's values of tolerance and respecting diversity. Citing a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD, the fans' group said "extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity are advocated" by the campaign.

To mark his two goals in the match, Nmecha pointed to the sky and mimed taking a crown off his head and placing it on the ground. He responded to the criticism by saying there were "misunderstandings" over his celebration and that it was "not intended to promote myself or any organisation".

Ballers in God, the organisation behind The King's Return, was created by former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock and promotes Christian beliefs. The group counts high-profile followers such as England's Marc Guehi and Bukayo Saka and former Brazil forward Kaka. Ballers in God said: "We are encouraged by player-led movements such as The King's Return, where footballers themselves take the initiative to express their faith in Jesus."

The organisation added: "Our desire is not only to share our hope, but to demonstrate love and respect towards everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs." Nmecha also issued a separate statement, saying: "My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form."

The episode comes amid wider debate in English football over rainbow gestures: the Premier League withdrew from the Rainbow Laces campaign and ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall last year. In 2024 then Ipswich captain Sam Morsy said he did not wear a rainbow armband because of his "religious beliefs", Marc Guehi wrote "I [heart] Jesus" on his rainbow armband when he captained Palace, and Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community after a player refused.

Ballers in God concluded its public response by saying: "Our focus has always been, and will always be, to point people to Jesus with grace and love."