World Cup declaration by Ricken: "We are unrivaled among all"
Borussia Dortmund's journey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup saw them reach the quarter-finals, a significant achievement that has set a positive tone for the upcoming season. The team, under the guidance of manager Niko Kovac, demonstrated their strong form by defeating Monterrey 2-1 in the round of 16, with striker Serhou Guirassy scoring both goals early in the match.
This victory has provided Dortmund with momentum and confidence as they enter the new season. Guirassy, who finished the last season with an impressive 34 goals across competitions, is poised to be a key attacking threat for the team moving forward.
The successful Cup run is a testament to Kovac's managerial strategy, which is already being hailed as one of the greatest in the club's recent history. The experience has given the team a psychological boost, boosting their morale and determination for the upcoming season.
Dortmund's participation in the Club World Cup also enhanced their international reputation. Players like Guirassy and forward Karim Adeyemi, who is expected to be a standout this season despite recovering from injury last year, gained valuable high-level competitive exposure.
The team's adaptability off the pitch was also highlighted during the tournament. Due to FIFA rules, Dortmund had to wear different sponsor kits in June and July, demonstrating their ability to handle unique logistical elements.
Lars Ricken, the managing director of Borussia Dortmund, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance at the Club World Cup. He stated that the players will have a few weeks of vacation before preparing for the upcoming season, providing them with much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
Ricken believes that this break will be an improvement compared to previous years, giving the players the opportunity to recharge and return to training with renewed energy and focus. The time spent in the US, where the Club World Cup was held, is also hoped to have brought the team closer together, fostering a strong team spirit.
As the new season approaches, Borussia Dortmund is currently ranked eighth in the European rankings. However, their impressive performance in the Club World Cup underlines a positive trajectory heading into the new season, combining on-field success with off-field growth and player development. This sets a foundation for competitive ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
[1] Borussia Dortmund Official Website, "Dortmund reach Club World Cup Quarter-finals," [Accessed 1st January 2026], https://www.borussia.de/en/news/dortmund-reach-club-world-cup-quarter-finals
[2] Goal.com, "Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup run: Key takeaways and what it means for the new season," [Accessed 1st January 2026], https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/borussia-dortmunds-club-world-cup-run-key-takeaways-and-what-it-means-for/blt05842d8514a87e6c
[3] ESPN, "Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup run: A look at the team's journey," [Accessed 1st January 2026], https://www.espn.com/soccer/borussia-dortmund/story/4436917/borussia-dortmunds-club-world-cup-run-a-look-at-the-teams-journey
[4] FourFourTwo, "Borussia Dortmund's Club World Cup run: The behind-the-scenes story," [Accessed 1st January 2026], https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/borussia-dortmunds-club-world-cup-run-the-behind-the-scenes-story
Other European leagues are eagerly anticipating Borussia Dortmund's strong form, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, having shown their mettle in the 2025 Club World Cup. With Guirassy's exceptional goal-scoring ability and the young, resilient squad, Dortmund could very well be champions-league contenders this season.
