Felix Nmecha explains controversial Dortmund celebration: My message is one of love and respect

The 26-year-old attracted attention after scoring twice in Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg, celebrating by removing an imaginary crown and placing it on the ground. The gesture is associated with the campaign The King’s Return, which has links to the evangelical football network Ballers in God.

Nmecha has addressed the celebration in a statement on Instagram, explaining the symbolism behind his celebration and rejecting suggestions that he intended to promote an organisation.

“I was made aware that my recent goal celebration has led to misunderstandings. With my celebration, I did not want to promote myself or any organisation. Rather, it is about laying my ‘crown’ before the soon-coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and my strength,” he wrote.

He also stressed that his message was not intended to encourage hostility towards people with different beliefs or backgrounds.

“My message was never about promoting intolerance, discrimination or hate in any form. As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for every person, regardless of where they come from, what they believe or what worldview they hold.”

Borussia Dortmund had already acknowledged the concerns raised by supporters, saying the club took the debate seriously and would speak with the player. The issue has also attracted attention at international level, with Germany coach Jürgen Klopp reportedly having spoken to Nmecha at the national team’s training camp in Herzogenaurach.

The German Football Association had also indicated that it would discuss the matter with the midfielder. Director of professional football Rudi Völler emphasised that players have the right to practise their religion, while recognising that the public nature of the incident required a conversation.

“Of course there is freedom of religion and freedom of belief. Everyone can live that out for themselves a little. One person may like it, another may not. Naturally, we will speak to him again because it has now become a public issue,” Völler said.

Germany are preparing for their Nations League fixtures against Serbia on November 13 and the Netherlands on November 16. Nmecha’s explanation has clarified how he views the celebration, although the wider discussion around the network and its association with the gesture remains a sensitive issue for Dortmund and its supporters.