Dortmund bid farewell to Hummels in a poignant goodbye
On August 10, 2025, Mats Hummels, a football World Cup winner and a legendary figure at Borussia Dortmund (BVB), bid an emotional farewell to the club during a pre-season friendly against Juventus at the Westfalenstadion.
Hummels, who wore the number 15 for BVB for 13 years, started the match as captain and was warmly applauded by fans throughout. The more than 80,000 spectators sang a classic during his farewell, with many fans wearing his jersey to show their support.
The club officials, including Chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke and President Dr. Reinhold Lunow, bid farewell to Hummels warmly before the test match against Juventus Turin. They recognised his contributions as a thinker, fighter, and true Borussia player.
Hummels, a central defender and one of Dortmund's greatest developed players, showed glimpses of his classic play during the match, delighting fans with his trademark passes before being subbed off to applause and a guard of honor from teammates.
The farewell match allowed fans and the club to celebrate Hummels' legacy, which includes multiple Bundesliga titles and a 2014 World Cup win with Germany. BVB commemorated his retirement with exclusive fan merchandise marking the occasion.
Many fans consider Hummels a legend, and Maik Kaminski, a BVB fan from Rheinsberg in Brandenburg, expressed trust in Mats Hummels for both the trainer job and the role as manager. Tobias from Schwerte and Nadine from Legden in Münsterland mentioned an increase in fans wearing Hummels' jersey to the Westfalenstadion for his farewell.
In summary, Mats Hummels' farewell was a highly emotional and respectful event, highlighting his lasting importance and impact on Borussia Dortmund both on and off the pitch. It was a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to the club over the years.
References: 1. On-site Reporter's Account 2. Borussia Dortmund Official Statement 3. Fan Perspective
Mats Hummels, having demonstrated exceptional career accomplishments within European leagues, particularly at Borussia Dortmund, might envision a future role in sports management, considering fans' growing interest in him for potential trainer and manager positions post-retirement. Additionally, such a shift could potentially ignite a renewed passion for football within European leagues, given Hummels' profound legacy and influence.
