The first highlight of the day took place at Rote Erde Stadium: Before kickoff of the women’s match against AS Roma, players Manuela Zinsberger, Dana Marquardt, Emilia Pauls, and Mia Scholle – along with mascot EMMA – signed autographs and posed for selfies. Even before the autograph session began, a long line had formed on the stadium track, which quickly stretched all the way up to the stands. Due to the high level of interest, the players went into overtime to make sure they could fulfill every autograph request.
Visit by Mats HummelsBVB legend Mats Hummels took advantage of the match between two of his former clubs to pay a visit to Strobelallee. “I’m happy to be back in Dortmund. It’s like coming home,” he said during halftime of the women’s game. Hummels was already there for the BVB Women’s debut in 2021 and has been following the team’s progress ever since, as he revealed in the halftime interview. He ended up missing the start of the second half: as he made his way through the fans in the stands, he kept stopping to sign autographs and take selfies. The BVB Legend was also kept busy during halftime of the professional match: first at the microphone with Nobby Dickel (“What a great atmosphere in the stadium!”), then taking part in a shooting contest with his son Ludwig against two BVB fans.
Presentation of BVB’s departments and teams
In addition to the First team and BVB Women, other departments and teams from Borussia Dortmund were also introduced, including handball, table tennis, inclusive sports, gaming, referees, and the fan departments.
Performance by BlumengartenThe musical duo Blumengarten paid a visit to SIGNAL IDUNA PARK between the squad presentation and kickoff, providing the musical backdrop for the season opener. “I’ve been a BVB fan my whole life, so this is something special for me,” said singer Rayan. “Gut genug,” the summer hit of the year, was of course a must-have on the set list.
Honoring the winners of the Premier League International CupIn May 2026, a BVB youth team consisting of U19 and U23 players won the Premier League International Cup. Held in England, this annual competition for U21 teams pits English youth teams against top international clubs. In the final, the Borussians team defeated Real Madrid’s youth squad 1–0. The team was honored for winning the title to thunderous applause.
Honoring the heroes of 1966In May 1966, Borussia Dortmund made history: At Hampden Park in Glasgow, BVB defeated the overwhelming favorites, Liverpool FC, 2–1, thereby winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup – becoming the first German club ever to win a European title. A few months ago marked the 60th anniversary of that title victory. To commemorate the anniversary, the “Heroes of 1966” were honored. Siggi Held, a member of that team, took the field and was greeted with a standing ovation. Wolfgang Paul, the team’s leader and captain, had passed away at the end of June 2026 at the age of 86. The subsequent rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was dedicated to him – an honorary member, recipient of the club’s Golden Pin, the club’s first honorary captain, and long-time chairman of the Council of Elders – as well as to the Heroes of 1966. (cr)
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