Dortmund Squad Numbers: 5

Welcome back to the newest edition of BVB Squad numbers. Today we’ll be looking at the #5 jersey which most often is worn by defenders at the heart of the back line or midfielders known for the proficiency in the defensive aspects of the game, but this does not stand true all the time. Let’s have a look at few players who’ve graced this number in the famous yellow and black of Dortmund.

#1 Stefan Reuter

Reuter, who currently is the General Manager of fellow Bundesliga club FC Augsburg, is considered a legend at Dortmund and has the 5th most appearances in all competitions for the Ruhr club. He is considered one of the best right wing backs of all time and has won the Bundesliga five times, three times with Dortmund, and was a vital cog of the historic UEFA Champions League winning squad under legendary manager Ottmar Hitzfeld and even won the Intercontinental Cup in 1997. He was famed for stamina and work rate and was a constant fixture for the national team on the right flank, earning him the nickname ‘Turbo’.

#2 Jurgen Kohler

Joining Reuter on the list is Jurgen Kohler, who was a teammate of Reuter at both Bayern Munich and Juventus who then joined BVB in 1995. The centre-back had a very successful spell with Die Schwarzgelben as he won the Bundesliga twice and the UEFA Champions League once, he was even named the German Footballer of the Year in 1997. He is regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, primarily known for his physical presence and aerial prowess along with the much-coveted ability to play the ball from the back and these traits earned him a massive 105 caps for the national side.

#3 Sebastian Kehl

Compared to the other two players above him, Kehl has not had as illustrious a career as either of them but he’s been a devoted servant to the club and retired a club legend. He won his first Bundesliga title in his debut season in 2001-02 and captained the side to successive Bundesliga titles almost a decade later and a UEFA Champions League final under the charismatic Jurgen Klopp. Kehli, as he is often referred to as, had his career sadly hampered by injuries and played in two FIFA World Cups, getting a silver and a bronze medal in 2002 and 2006 respectively. In the process, he earned a respectable 31 caps for the German National Team.

The above 3 players have left a lasting legacy at the club and the current #5 jersey holder is Marc Bartra, the Spanish international who is already loved by fans of the club after displaying his love for the club after the scary bomb explosion because of which his wrist had to be operated on. He has had an impressive season and we can only wait and watch how he leaves his mark on the club and the #5 jersey.