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Lars Ricken
Lars Ricken
from Wikipedia

Lars Ricken (born 10 July 1976) is a German retired footballer and the current managing director of Borussia Dortmund.[1] From 2008 to 2024, he was the youth coordinator at Dortmund.

Key Information

Ricken represented Borussia Dortmund throughout his entire professional career, which spanned 15 years. He was the youngest player to appear for the club in an official match, a record later broken by Nuri Şahin. An attacking midfielder, he won three Bundesliga titles (1994–95, 1995–96, 2001–02) and scored in the 1996–97 Champions League final, which Dortmund won.

A German international for five years, Ricken represented the country at the 2002 World Cup and the 1999 Confederations Cup.

Career

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Ricken training with Borussia Dortmund in 2006

Born in Dortmund, Ricken joined local Borussia at an early age and made his Bundesliga debut on 8 March 1994 in a 1–2 home defeat against VfB Stuttgart, aged not yet 18. From the following season onward, he became a regular.[2]

Ricken scored a memorable long-distance goal in the final of the 1996–97 UEFA Champions League edition against Juventus FC, which stood as the fastest goal in a final of the competition by a substitute, finding the net after just 16 seconds on the field.[3][4] He also contributed 8 goals in 47 matches in the team’s back-to-back national titles (1994–96).

In the following years, Ricken’s success was hampered by a series of injuries. He earned his first cap for Germany on 10 September 1997,[5] in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia, but missed that major international tournament as well as UEFA Euro 2000. Later, he restored his form, helping Dortmund claim the league title in 2002 by scoring a career-best six goals and being selected by national coach Rudi Völler for the squad at that year's World Cup; he did not play in the competition, however, as Germany finished runners-up.

Ricken’s injury woes returned after the World Cup and, as a consequence, he failed to earn recognition at either the European or international level. In early April 2007, he was demoted to the reserve team by manager Thomas Doll due to substandard performance.[6]

In November 2007, Ricken announced his retirement from football. In an attempt to return to the sport, he briefly attended a training camp in February 2008 with the Columbus Crew of the Major League Soccer, but returned to Germany and Dortmund after a few days.

On 11 June 2008, Borussia Dortmund sport director Michael Zorc, also a former club footballer, announced that Ricken was to be hired as youth coordinator with immediate effect, while still appearing for the amateur side in the Regionalliga West. However, on 16 February 2009, he announced his retirement from professional football.[7]

On 22 April 2024, Ricken was announced to take over the duties of CEO for Sport at Borussia Dortmund from Hans-Joachim Watzke, beginning on 1 May 2024.[1]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[8]
Club Season League Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Borussia Dortmund 1993–94 Bundesliga 5 1 0 0 2[a] 1 7 2
1994–95 Bundesliga 21 2 0 0 7[a] 1 28 3
1995–96 Bundesliga 26 6 3 1 7[b] 2 36 9
1996–97 Bundesliga 23 2 1 0 9[b] 4 1[c] 0 34 6
1997–98 Bundesliga 25 2 2 3 2 0 5[b] 0 2[d] 0 36 5
1998–99 Bundesliga 28 5 2 0 30 5
1999–2000 Bundesliga 29 4 1 0 2 0 11[e] 0 43 4
2000–01 Bundesliga 29 6 3 1 32 7
2001–02 Bundesliga 28 6 1 0 2 0 15[e] 4 46 10
2002–03 Bundesliga 24 4 1 0 1 1 11[b] 0 37 5
2003–04 Bundesliga 23 2 2 0 2 0 5[e] 2 32 4
2004–05 Bundesliga 17 5 1 0 2[f] 0 20 5
2005–06 Bundesliga 10 4 1 0 11 4
2006–07 Bundesliga 13 0 1 0 14 0
Total 301 49 19 5 8 1 74 14 3 0 405 69
Borussia Dortmund II 2002–03 Regionalliga Nord 1 0 1 0
2003–04 Regionalliga Nord 1 0 1 0
2004–05 Regionalliga Nord 4 2 4 2
2006–07 Regionalliga Nord 11 5 11 5
2007–08 Regionalliga Nord 19 1 19 1
2008–09 Regionalliga West 3 0 3 0
Total 39 8 39 8
Career Total 340 57 19 5 8 1 74 14 3 0 444 77
  1. ^ a b Appearances in the UEFA Cup.
  2. ^ a b c d Appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
  3. ^ Appearances in the German Super Cup.
  4. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Super Cup.
  5. ^ a b c Appearances in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup.
  6. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Honours

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lars Ricken (born 10 July 1976) is a German former professional footballer and current football executive who spent his entire 15-year playing career as an attacking midfielder for , making 407 appearances and scoring 69 goals across all competitions. Renowned for his loyalty to his boyhood club and technical skill, Ricken debuted in the at age 17 on 8 March 1994, becoming the youngest player to represent Dortmund in the top flight, and contributed to three titles (1995, 1996, 2002) as well as the . His most iconic moment came in the , where, subbed on in the 70th minute against Juventus, he scored a stunning lob over goalkeeper just 16 seconds later—his first touch of the ball—to secure a 3–1 victory and Dortmund's only European Cup to date, a goal later voted the club's "." Ricken's youth career began at local club TuS Eving-Lindenhorst before joining Borussia Dortmund's academy, where he progressed rapidly to the senior team under manager . Over his professional tenure from 1993 to 2008, he amassed 301 appearances with 49 goals and featured in 43 Champions League matches, scoring 7 times, often playing as a versatile winger or central known for his vision and long-range strikes. Injuries hampered parts of his career, particularly after 2002, but he remained a key squad member, captaining the side in his later years and earning fan adoration as a one-club man. On the international stage, Ricken earned 16 caps for between 1997 and 2002, scoring once, and was part of the squad that reached the , though he saw limited action in the tournament hosted by and . His debut came on 10 September 1997 in a 1998 World Cup qualifier against . After retiring in February 2008 following a spell with Dortmund's , Ricken transitioned into coaching and administration at the club, serving as director of the youth academy for over three years and helping develop it into Germany's most successful in the past decade, producing talents like and . On 1 May 2024, he was appointed Managing Director for Sport at GmbH & Co. KGaA, overseeing the first team's sporting operations amid the club's ongoing competitiveness in the and Europe.

Early life

Birth and family background

Lars Ricken was born on 10 July 1976 in , , . Little is known publicly about Ricken's immediate family, including his parents or any siblings, as he has maintained a private . He spent his in Dortmund, the industrial hub of the area. Ricken has described himself as a "Dortmund boy," reflecting his lifelong connection to the city and its football club. He has expressed pride in his local origins, which shaped his passion for from a young age.

Youth football development

Lars Ricken began his organized football journey at the local club TuS Eving-Lindenhorst in , joining around the age of six in 1982. He continued his development there until 1986, honing basic skills in a community setting before moving to Eintracht from 1986 to 1990. In 1990, at the age of 14, Ricken joined Borussia 's youth academy, drawn by his lifelong connection to the club as a Dortmund native. Playing primarily as an attacking , he quickly demonstrated prodigious technical skills, including precise passing and vision on the ball, which marked him as a standout talent. Ricken's rapid progression through Dortmund's youth ranks was evident as he advanced from the under-15 level to becoming a key prospect in the senior setup by 1993, earning recognition for his potential to contribute at higher levels.

Club career

Professional debut and early achievements

Lars Ricken made his debut for on 8 March 1994, entering as a substitute in a 1–2 home loss to at the . At 17 years, 7 months, and 27 days old, he became the club's youngest debutant in history at the time. Just one week later, on 15 March 1994, Ricken scored his first professional goal in a 1–0 victory over , cementing his rapid integration into the senior squad during the 1993–94 season's closing matches. His youth academy progression at had honed his attacking midfield skills, providing a solid foundation for these early senior opportunities. Over the remainder of that campaign, he made a handful of substitute appearances, showcasing versatility and promise despite the team's mid-table finish. In the 1994–95 season, Ricken's role expanded to 21 Bundesliga appearances, primarily from the bench, where he contributed two goals—including strikes against Bayern Munich and —that helped propel Dortmund to their first-ever title. His impactful substitute interventions added depth to the attack led by stars like and , marking Dortmund's breakthrough domestic success after 28 years in the top flight. Ricken's development accelerated in the 1995–96 season, with 26 appearances, 6 goals, and 8 assists, including more frequent starts as a centre-forward or attacking . This increased involvement underscored his emergence as a key talent, supporting Dortmund's repeat triumph and establishing him as a cornerstone of the club's emerging dynasty.

1997 UEFA Champions League success

In the on 28 May 1997 at the Olympiastadion in , faced Juventus with the score at 2–1 in Dortmund's favor entering the final stages of the match. Lars Ricken, a 20-year-old product, was brought on as a substitute for Stéphane Chapuisat in the 70th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack. Just 16 seconds after entering the pitch, Ricken received a through ball from on the right flank and, with his first touch, unleashed a precise lob from 25 yards over the advancing Juventus goalkeeper , finding the net in the 71st minute to make the score 3–1. This goal sealed Dortmund's first-ever European Cup victory, overcoming the defending champions Juventus and marking a historic triumph for the club. Ricken wheeled away in celebration, arms outstretched, as teammates and the Dortmund bench erupted in joy, with the 62,000-strong crowd roaring in approval at the dramatic late strike. The goal quickly garnered widespread media acclaim, often hailed as one of the greatest in Champions League final history and later voted the "BVB " by fans. Reflecting on the moment years later, Ricken described it as the pinnacle of his career, recalling how he spotted off his line and acted instinctively, though he admitted the adrenaline blurred his memory of the final 20 minutes of the game.

Later professional years and retirement

Following the triumph in the , where Ricken's iconic goal served as lasting motivation through subsequent challenges, his career was significantly hampered by recurring injuries that limited his playing time and consistency. A notable setback occurred in November 2005 when he suffered a tear in his right knee during training, sidelining him for much of the 2005–06 season and contributing to ongoing fitness issues that persisted afterward. Despite these obstacles, Ricken remained a key squad member and contributed to Borussia Dortmund's resurgence, playing 28 matches and scoring 6 goals during the 2001–02 season, which culminated in the club's third national title. Ricken's unwavering loyalty to Borussia Dortmund defined his professional tenure, as he spent his entire 15-year senior career with the club from 1993 to 2008 without a single transfer, amassing 301 appearances and 49 goals in the alone. His versatility as an attacking allowed him to feature in various roles, though injuries reduced his starts in later years, with only 13 outings in the 2006–07 campaign. In April 2007, amid diminishing opportunities in the first team, Ricken was reassigned to in the , where he appeared in 19 matches and scored once during the 2007–08 season. That November, he announced his intention to retire at the end of the campaign, coinciding with Dortmund's precarious fight against relegation from the —ultimately avoided on the final day. Ricken's professional farewell came on 31 May 2008, in a 1–3 defeat to , marking the end of his playing days after a brief, unsuccessful attempt at a comeback with the reserves the following season.

International career

Youth international appearances

Lars Ricken began his international youth career with the U16 team in 1992, where he contributed to the squad's success at the European Under-16 Championship held in . As a 15-year-old attacking from Borussia Dortmund's youth setup, Ricken featured in five matches during the tournament, scoring one goal and helping secure the title with a 2–0 victory over in the final. In 1994, Ricken progressed to the Germany U18 side and participated in the UEFA European Under-18 Championship in Spain. He made 1 appearance during the tournament, as Germany played in the group stage with results including a 3–0 win against Belarus, a 1–2 loss to Russia, and a 0–1 loss to Spain. Ricken's most extensive youth international experience came with the Germany U21 team between 1995 and 1997, where he amassed 17 caps and scored 8 goals, underlining his role as a creative playmaker with notable contributions in qualifiers and tournaments. He debuted in U21 European Championship qualifying matches in 1995, providing key assists and goals that aided Germany's qualification efforts. Although Germany did not qualify for the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Championship final tournament in Spain, Ricken appeared in two qualifying games, including against France (1–0 loss) and Scotland. His overall U21 record included one assist in the 1998 edition qualifiers, but his earlier goals, such as those in friendly and qualifying fixtures, highlighted his vision and finishing ability in midfield.

Senior national team involvement

Lars Ricken earned his first cap for the senior national team on 10 September 1997, coming on as a substitute in a 4–0 qualifying victory over in . At age 21, following his standout performances with , including their 1997 triumph, Ricken's debut marked the beginning of a brief international tenure under coach . Over the subsequent three years, Ricken accumulated 16 caps between 1997 and 2002, primarily featuring in qualifying campaigns and friendlies. His appearances included five World Cup qualifiers for the 1998 tournament, such as the opener against Armenia and subsequent matches against Oman and Moldova, contributing to Germany's successful qualification for the finals in , though he did not make the final squad. Ricken also played in two UEFA Euro 2000 qualifiers in October 1998, starting against in a 1–0 defeat and featuring against Moldova in a 3–1 win, as part of the team's preparation for the continental tournament. Additional outings encompassed the , where he appeared in both group stage losses to (0–4) and a win over (2–0), alongside various friendlies that showcased his versatility as an attacking . Despite his club form, Ricken's international role remained peripheral, with nine wins, three draws, and four losses in his caps, often as a substitute. Ricken's sole international goal arrived late in his national team career on 13 February 2002, during a 7–1 friendly rout of in . Entering as a substitute, he scored in the 72nd minute to extend Germany's lead, capping a dominant performance ahead of the . This strike, his only contribution to the scoresheet in 16 appearances, highlighted his potential but underscored the limited opportunities he received compared to his prolific club record. Ricken's final cap came in April 2002 against , a 1–0 friendly loss. He was subsequently included in Germany's squad but did not feature in any matches during the tournament.

Post-playing career

Youth academy coordination

Upon retiring from professional football in 2008, Lars Ricken was immediately appointed as the youth coordinator for Borussia Dortmund's , a role in which he oversaw the club's talent pipeline and instilled a culture of excellence rooted in his own experiences as a lifelong BVB product. In this position, Ricken managed comprehensive operations that extended across and beyond, identifying promising young players and integrating them into Dortmund's development system. His responsibilities encompassed designing training programs from the Under-9 level upward, with a full-time professional focused on technical skills, tactical awareness, and athletic conditioning. Ricken placed significant emphasis on player welfare, collaborating with psychologists from to incorporate mental resilience training and instill values like and perseverance, ensuring holistic development beyond the pitch. This approach contributed to the successful maturation of several high-profile talents during his tenure, including and , who progressed through the academy's upper levels and debuted for the senior team in 2009 and 2012, respectively, embodying the club's philosophy of nurturing homegrown stars. Under his coordination, nearly 60 academy graduates advanced to contracts, highlighting the effectiveness of Dortmund's in producing competitive players. Central to Ricken's contributions was the promotion of an philosophy centered on a familial environment at the Brackel training ground, where flexibility in coaching styles allowed for individualized growth while fostering a winning mentality. He advocated for a "clear and obvious strategy" in talent development, prioritizing early integration into senior environments to accelerate progress, as seen in the pathways for players like Götze and . Ricken often emphasized the academy's role as the "heart" of the club, stating, "We’re a big club with a huge , but our heart beats here at Brackel," which underscored his commitment to sustaining Dortmund's of youth-driven success through 2020.

Administrative and coaching roles

In November 2020, Lars Ricken was promoted to Director of the Youth Training Centre at , extending his five-year contract while building on his prior experience as youth coordinator. This administrative advancement positioned Ricken to oversee the club's development infrastructure more comprehensively, serving as a foundation for his subsequent leadership roles within the organization. On 1 May 2024, Ricken was appointed Managing Director for Sport at Borussia Dortmund, succeeding Hans-Joachim Watzke, with a contract running until 30 June 2027. In this capacity, Ricken assumed key responsibilities for player transfers, head coaching appointments, and overall club sporting strategy, guiding Dortmund's operations through the 2024–25 season and into November 2025. For instance, under his oversight, the club hired Niko Kovač as head coach in January 2025 following the dismissal of Nuri Şahin.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Lars Ricken began dating German television presenter Andrea Kaiser in early 2009. The couple married on 9 July 2010 in a private ceremony. Their marriage ended in separation announced in August 2013, after three years together, with no public details disclosed about the reasons or any ongoing relations between them. The was described as amicable, without conflict or new partners reported at the time. Ricken married Franziska Schulz in 2016, with whom he has three children. He has maintained privacy regarding aspects of his family life.

Residence and community involvement

Lars Ricken has resided in the area throughout his life, a fact that underscores his enduring connection to and his status as a quintessential "one-club man." Born and raised in the , he has never left the club professionally or personally, maintaining deep in the even after retirement. Post-retirement, Ricken has engaged in various activities tied to , including participation in charitable initiatives that promote social causes and fan engagement. In June 2025, he attended the Corazón Classic Match, a legends game between Real Madrid and held at the to raise funds for youth labor insertion programs for vulnerable children. Earlier, in 2019, he joined 's educational trip to Auschwitz as part of the club's partnership with the Arolsen Archives to combat and promote historical awareness. These efforts reflect his commitment to local youth development and values beyond his professional roles. Public information on Ricken's personal hobbies remains limited, though he has expressed a preference for spending time with his family as part of his settled life in . He also shows interest in preserving Borussia Dortmund's club history through fan-oriented events and initiatives.

Career statistics

Domestic and European club statistics

Lars Ricken spent his entire professional club career with , amassing 407 appearances, 69 goals, and 68 assists across domestic and European competitions from 1994 to 2008. In the , Ricken featured in 301 matches, scoring 49 goals and contributing numerous assists as a versatile attacking . His seasonal contributions in Germany's top flight are detailed below:
SeasonAppearancesGoals
1993/9451
1994/95212
1995/96266
1996/97232
1997/98252
1998/99285
1999/00294
2000/01296
2001/02286
2002/03244
2003/04232
2004/05175
2005/06104
2006/07130
Total30149
Ricken also played 19 matches in the , scoring 5 goals and recording 2 assists. In European competitions, he made 43 appearances in the with 7 goals and 3 assists, including a memorable goal in the 1997 final victory over Juventus. Additionally, he featured in 24 UEFA Cup matches, netting 6 goals. The table below summarizes his performance across key domestic and European competitions:
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
30149N/A
1952
4373
UEFA Cup246N/A
91N/A
Total4076968

International match statistics

Lars Ricken earned 16 caps for the senior national team between 1997 and 2002, during which he scored 1 goal. His appearances broke down as 5 in qualification matches (including play-offs), 2 in qualifiers, 7 in friendlies, and 2 at the . The sole goal came in a friendly against on 13 February 2002. At youth international levels, Ricken made approximately 30 appearances across the U16, U18, and U21 teams, with a notable 17 caps and 8 goals for the U21 side between 1996 and 1998. The table below summarizes Ricken's senior international matches, including dates, opponents, results (from Germany's perspective), and competitions; he appeared as a substitute in several games.
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals
10 Sep 19974–0 W qualifier0
18 Feb 19982–0 WFriendly0
10 Oct 19980–1 L qualifier0
14 Oct 19983–1 W qualifier0
6 Feb 19993–0 WFriendly0
9 Feb 19993–3 DFriendly0
24 Jul 19992–4 LConfederations Cup0
28 Jul 19992–0 WConfederations Cup0
29 May 20012–0 WFriendly0
2 Jun 20012–2 D qualifier0
6 Jun 20012–0 W qualifier0
15 Aug 20015–2 LFriendly0
10 Nov 20011–1 D play-off0
14 Nov 20014–1 W play-off0
13 Feb 2002Israel7–1 WFriendly1
17 Apr 20021–0 LFriendly0

Honours and awards

Club achievements

Lars Ricken contributed significantly to Borussia Dortmund's success in domestic and international competitions throughout his playing career, primarily as an attacking midfielder who provided creativity and goals from midfield. His tenure coincided with three titles, showcasing the club's dominance in German football during the and early . In the 1994–95 season, Dortmund secured their first title in over two decades under coach , finishing with 65 points and clinching the championship with a 3–1 win over on the final day; Ricken, then a 18-year-old debutant, made 20 league appearances and helped establish the team's dynamic play. The following year, 1995–96, Dortmund defended the title with 63 points, relying on Ricken's 25 appearances and his growing role in midfield orchestration to edge out Bayern Munich by five points. Ricken's third triumph came in 2001–02 under , where Dortmund tied Bayer Leverkusen on 69 points but won on after a dramatic season-ending 2–1 victory over ; he featured in 27 matches, providing stability in a high-stakes campaign. On the European stage, Ricken was pivotal in Dortmund's victory, their only title in the competition to date, culminating in a 3–1 final win over Juventus in ; substituting in the 70th minute, he scored the decisive third goal with a lobbed effort just 16 seconds later, sealing the triumph. Following the Champions League success, Dortmund won the 2–0 against Cruzeiro in , with Ricken part of the squad. Goals came from and . Ricken also helped Dortmund win two DFL-Supercups, beating 1–0 in 1995 and prevailing 4–3 on penalties against after a 1–1 draw in 1996, adding early-season silverware to the defenses.

Individual recognitions

Ricken's most notable individual recognition stems from his iconic goal in the against Juventus, scored just 16 seconds after substituting into the match, making it the fastest goal by a substitute in a Champions League final history. This audacious lob over goalkeeper not only sealed Borussia Dortmund's 3-1 victory but has since been celebrated as one of the competition's greatest strikes, ranking third on Bleacher Report's list of the best Champions League final goals. The goal's enduring legacy within the club led to it being voted the Borussia Dortmund "" in a fan poll conducted around the turn of the millennium. It has also featured prominently in UEFA's compilations of great Champions League moments, underscoring Ricken's impact as a super-sub in high-stakes European football. Beyond this highlight, Ricken received youth-level honors, including participation in Germany's victorious 1992 UEFA European Under-16 Championship-winning squad, where his contributions helped secure the title. While he earned 16 caps for the senior German national team between 1997 and 2002, no additional major individual awards, such as Player of the Year or nominations, are recorded in his career.

References

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