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Lars Ricken
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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
[edit]
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]| 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 | ||
Honours
[edit]Borussia Dortmund
- Bundesliga: 1994–95, 1995–96, 2001–02
- DFB-Supercup: 1995, 1996
- UEFA Champions League: 1996–97
- Intercontinental Cup: 1997
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002
Germany
- FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2002
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Bruch, Charlotte (22 April 2024). "Sportliche Nachfolge von Watzke: Lars Ricken wird Geschäftsführer Sport bei Borussia Dortmund". Der Tagesspiegel (in German). Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Arnhold, Matthias (12 November 2015). "Lars Ricken – Matches and Goals in Bundesliga". RSSSF. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ "Fantastic finals". ESPN FC. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
- ^ "Dortmund 3–1 Juventus". UEFA. 28 May 1997. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ Arnhold, Matthias (12 November 2015). "Lars Ricken – International Appearances". RSSSF. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
- ^ Urban, Alois (15 January 2007). "Ricken rocking on his heels". UEFA. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
- ^ "Ricken announces retirement". UEFA. 16 February 2009. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
- ^ "Lars Ricken » Club matches". World Football. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
External links
[edit]- Lars Ricken at fussballdaten.de (in German)
- Lars Ricken at National-Football-Teams.com
- Lars Ricken – FIFA competition record (archived)
- Lars Ricken at EU-Football.info
- Lars Ricken at WorldFootball.net
Lars Ricken
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and family background
Lars Ricken was born on 10 July 1976 in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.[2] Little is known publicly about Ricken's immediate family, including his parents or any siblings, as he has maintained a private personal life. He spent his early childhood in Dortmund, the industrial hub of the Ruhr area.[6] Ricken has described himself as a "Dortmund boy," reflecting his lifelong connection to the city and its football club.[5] He has expressed pride in his local origins, which shaped his passion for Borussia Dortmund from a young age.[7]Youth football development
Lars Ricken began his organized football journey at the local club TuS Eving-Lindenhorst in Dortmund, joining around the age of six in 1982.[8][2] He continued his development there until 1986, honing basic skills in a community setting before moving to Eintracht Dortmund from 1986 to 1990.[8] In 1990, at the age of 14, Ricken joined Borussia Dortmund's youth academy, drawn by his lifelong connection to the club as a Dortmund native.[8][9] Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder, he quickly demonstrated prodigious technical skills, including precise passing and vision on the ball, which marked him as a standout talent.[5][8] 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.[10][8]Club career
Professional debut and early achievements
Lars Ricken made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund on 8 March 1994, entering as a substitute in a 1–2 home loss to VfB Stuttgart at the Westfalenstadion. At 17 years, 7 months, and 27 days old, he became the club's youngest debutant in Bundesliga history at the time.[11] Just one week later, on 15 March 1994, Ricken scored his first professional goal in a 1–0 victory over TSV 1860 Munich, cementing his rapid integration into the senior squad during the 1993–94 season's closing matches. His youth academy progression at Dortmund 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.[12] 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 VfL Bochum—that helped propel Dortmund to their first-ever Bundesliga title. His impactful substitute interventions added depth to the attack led by stars like Stéphane Chapuisat and Andreas Möller, marking Dortmund's breakthrough domestic success after 28 years in the top flight.[13][14] 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 midfielder. This increased involvement underscored his emergence as a key talent, supporting Dortmund's repeat Bundesliga triumph and establishing him as a cornerstone of the club's emerging dynasty.[15]1997 UEFA Champions League success
In the 1997 UEFA Champions League final on 28 May 1997 at the Olympiastadion in Munich, Borussia Dortmund faced Juventus with the score at 2–1 in Dortmund's favor entering the final stages of the match.[16] Lars Ricken, a 20-year-old academy product, was brought on as a substitute for Stéphane Chapuisat in the 70th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.[16] Just 16 seconds after entering the pitch, Ricken received a through ball from Andreas Möller on the right flank and, with his first touch, unleashed a precise lob from 25 yards over the advancing Juventus goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, finding the net in the 71st minute to make the score 3–1.[16][17] This goal sealed Dortmund's first-ever European Cup victory, overcoming the defending champions Juventus and marking a historic triumph for the club.[16] 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.[3] The goal quickly garnered widespread media acclaim, often hailed as one of the greatest in Champions League final history and later voted the "BVB Goal of the Century" by Borussia Dortmund fans.[2] Reflecting on the moment years later, Ricken described it as the pinnacle of his career, recalling how he spotted Peruzzi off his line and acted instinctively, though he admitted the adrenaline blurred his memory of the final 20 minutes of the game.[3]Later professional years and retirement
Following the triumph in the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final, 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.[17] A notable setback occurred in November 2005 when he suffered a cruciate ligament 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 Bundesliga matches and scoring 6 goals during the 2001–02 season, which culminated in the club's third national title.[18] 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 Bundesliga alone.[19] His versatility as an attacking midfielder allowed him to feature in various roles, though injuries reduced his starts in later years, with only 13 Bundesliga outings in the 2006–07 campaign.[18] In April 2007, amid diminishing opportunities in the first team, Ricken was reassigned to Borussia Dortmund II in the Regionalliga Nord, where he appeared in 19 matches and scored once during the 2007–08 season.[20] That November, he announced his intention to retire at the end of the campaign, coinciding with Dortmund's precarious fight against relegation from the Bundesliga—ultimately avoided on the final day.[21] Ricken's professional farewell came on 31 May 2008, in a 1–3 defeat to Eintracht Braunschweig, 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 Germany U16 team in 1992, where he contributed to the squad's success at the UEFA European Under-16 Championship held in Germany. As a 15-year-old attacking midfielder 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 Poland in the final.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24]Senior national team involvement
Lars Ricken earned his first cap for the Germany senior national team on 10 September 1997, coming on as a substitute in a 4–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Armenia in Dortmund.[25] At age 21, following his standout performances with Borussia Dortmund, including their 1997 UEFA Champions League triumph, Ricken's debut marked the beginning of a brief international tenure under coach Berti Vogts.[23] Over the subsequent three years, Ricken accumulated 16 caps between 1997 and 2002, primarily featuring in qualifying campaigns and friendlies.[26] 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 France, though he did not make the final squad.[25] Ricken also played in two UEFA Euro 2000 qualifiers in October 1998, starting against Turkey 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.[25] Additional outings encompassed the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he appeared in both group stage losses to Brazil (0–4) and a win over New Zealand (2–0), alongside various friendlies that showcased his versatility as an attacking midfielder.[25] 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.[23] Ricken's sole international goal arrived late in his national team career on 13 February 2002, during a 7–1 friendly rout of Israel in Kaiserslautern.[25] Entering as a substitute, he scored in the 72nd minute to extend Germany's lead, capping a dominant performance ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[26] 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 Argentina, a 1–0 friendly loss. He was subsequently included in Germany's 2002 FIFA World Cup squad but did not feature in any matches during the tournament.[25]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 academy, 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.[10] In this position, Ricken managed comprehensive scouting operations that extended across Europe and beyond, identifying promising young players and integrating them into Dortmund's development system.[10] His responsibilities encompassed designing training programs from the Under-9 level upward, with a full-time professional coaching staff focused on technical skills, tactical awareness, and athletic conditioning.[6] Ricken placed significant emphasis on player welfare, collaborating with psychologists from Ruhr University Bochum to incorporate mental resilience training and instill values like humility and perseverance, ensuring holistic development beyond the pitch.[6] This approach contributed to the successful maturation of several high-profile talents during his tenure, including Marco Reus and Mario Götze, 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.[6] Under his coordination, nearly 60 academy graduates advanced to professional contracts, highlighting the effectiveness of Dortmund's youth system in producing competitive players.[6] Central to Ricken's contributions was the promotion of an academy 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.[6] 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 Reus.[27] Ricken often emphasized the academy's role as the "heart" of the club, stating, "We’re a big club with a huge stadium, but our heart beats here at Brackel," which underscored his commitment to sustaining Dortmund's tradition of youth-driven success through 2020.[6]Administrative and coaching roles
In November 2020, Lars Ricken was promoted to Director of the Youth Training Centre at Borussia Dortmund, extending his five-year contract while building on his prior experience as youth coordinator.[28] This administrative advancement positioned Ricken to oversee the club's youth development infrastructure more comprehensively, serving as a foundation for his subsequent leadership roles within the organization.[2] 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.[2][29] 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.[2] For instance, under his oversight, the club hired Niko Kovač as head coach in January 2025 following the dismissal of Nuri Şahin.[30]Personal life
Family and relationships
Lars Ricken began dating German television presenter Andrea Kaiser in early 2009.[31] The couple married on 9 July 2010 in a private ceremony.[32] 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.[33][34] The divorce was described as amicable, without conflict or new partners reported at the time.[35] Ricken married Franziska Schulz in 2016, with whom he has three children.[36][37] He has maintained privacy regarding aspects of his family life.[2]Residence and community involvement
Lars Ricken has resided in the Dortmund area throughout his life, a fact that underscores his enduring connection to Borussia Dortmund and his status as a quintessential "one-club man." Born and raised in the city, he has never left the club professionally or personally, maintaining deep roots in the region even after retirement.[6][2] Post-retirement, Ricken has engaged in various community activities tied to Dortmund, 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 Borussia Dortmund held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to raise funds for youth labor insertion programs for vulnerable children.[38] Earlier, in 2019, he joined Borussia Dortmund's educational trip to Auschwitz as part of the club's partnership with the Arolsen Archives to combat antisemitism and promote historical awareness.[39] These efforts reflect his commitment to local youth development and community values beyond his professional roles.[40] 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 Dortmund. He also shows interest in preserving Borussia Dortmund's club history through fan-oriented events and initiatives.[41]Career statistics
Domestic and European club statistics
Lars Ricken spent his entire professional club career with Borussia Dortmund, amassing 407 appearances, 69 goals, and 68 assists across domestic and European competitions from 1994 to 2008.[42] In the Bundesliga, Ricken featured in 301 matches, scoring 49 goals and contributing numerous assists as a versatile attacking midfielder.[43] His seasonal contributions in Germany's top flight are detailed below:| Season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1993/94 | 5 | 1 |
| 1994/95 | 21 | 2 |
| 1995/96 | 26 | 6 |
| 1996/97 | 23 | 2 |
| 1997/98 | 25 | 2 |
| 1998/99 | 28 | 5 |
| 1999/00 | 29 | 4 |
| 2000/01 | 29 | 6 |
| 2001/02 | 28 | 6 |
| 2002/03 | 24 | 4 |
| 2003/04 | 23 | 2 |
| 2004/05 | 17 | 5 |
| 2005/06 | 10 | 4 |
| 2006/07 | 13 | 0 |
| Total | 301 | 49 |
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 301 | 49 | N/A |
| DFB-Pokal | 19 | 5 | 2 |
| UEFA Champions League | 43 | 7 | 3 |
| UEFA Cup | 24 | 6 | N/A |
| DFL-Ligapokal | 9 | 1 | N/A |
| Total | 407 | 69 | 68 |
International match statistics
Lars Ricken earned 16 caps for the senior Germany national team between 1997 and 2002, during which he scored 1 goal.[45][46][47] His appearances broke down as 5 in World Cup qualification matches (including play-offs), 2 in European Championship qualifiers, 7 in friendlies, and 2 at the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.[46] The sole goal came in a friendly against Israel on 13 February 2002.[48][49] 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.[46][45] 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.| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Sep 1997 | Armenia | 4–0 W | World Cup qualifier | 0 |
| 18 Feb 1998 | Oman | 2–0 W | Friendly | 0 |
| 10 Oct 1998 | Turkey | 0–1 L | Euro qualifier | 0 |
| 14 Oct 1998 | Moldova | 3–1 W | Euro qualifier | 0 |
| 6 Feb 1999 | USA | 3–0 W | Friendly | 0 |
| 9 Feb 1999 | Colombia | 3–3 D | Friendly | 0 |
| 24 Jul 1999 | Brazil | 2–4 L | Confederations Cup | 0 |
| 28 Jul 1999 | New Zealand | 2–0 W | Confederations Cup | 0 |
| 29 May 2001 | Slovakia | 2–0 W | Friendly | 0 |
| 2 Jun 2001 | Finland | 2–2 D | World Cup qualifier | 0 |
| 6 Jun 2001 | Albania | 2–0 W | World Cup qualifier | 0 |
| 15 Aug 2001 | Hungary | 5–2 L | Friendly | 0 |
| 10 Nov 2001 | Ukraine | 1–1 D | World Cup play-off | 0 |
| 14 Nov 2001 | Ukraine | 4–1 W | World Cup play-off | 0 |
| 13 Feb 2002 | Israel | 7–1 W | Friendly | 1 |
| 17 Apr 2002 | Argentina | 1–0 L | Friendly | 0 |