Borussia Dortmund concludes their season after 47 competitive matches, with four players notably underperforming throughout the campaign. However, an offensive player emerged as a breakthrough star in the second half of the season. Here’s the season review for Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund heads into the summer break after a season of 47 competitive games. Under coach Niko Kovac, the team secured 28 victories, suffered ten defeats, and maintained a goal difference of 98:59. In the Bundesliga, the Westphalians comfortably secured second place. The early exits from the Champions League playoffs and the DFB-Pokal round of 16 slightly marred the overall record. This is the performance review for the Black and Yellows’ professionals.
Note: Players with less than 600 minutes of playing time will not receive a rating.
BVB, Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
47 competitive matches, only 57 goals conceded, 18 clean sheets: The Swiss international played the most minutes of all players and consistently delivered strong performances. Kobel repeatedly saved his team from conceding with spectacular saves. He became a hero in the penalty shootout during the cup match in Frankfurt. His only blemish was an unnecessary pass in Freiburg that led to Jobe Bellingham receiving a red card. Rating: 2.
Matches: 47
Minutes: 4260
Goals Conceded: 57
Clean Sheets: 18
BVB, Defense: Nico Schlotterbeck
After a months-long injury layoff, the center-back made his comeback in September and played the initial matches as if he had never been away. However, consistency then became an issue, and Schlotterbeck was involved in several conceded goals. The uncertainty surrounding his future seemed to affect him. He played well overall, but there’s still significant room for improvement. On the positive side, five goals this season mark a personal record for him. Rating: 3.
Matches: 37
Minutes: 3290
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
BVB, Defense: Julian Ryerson
The Norwegian scored no goals but provided an impressive 18 assists. He recorded 15 assists in the Bundesliga alone, with only Bayern’s Michael Olise (22) and Luiz Diaz (17) outperforming him. His work ethic and fighting spirit were top-notch, as always. However, on the international stage, he occasionally showed his limitations quite clearly. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 42
Minutes: 3067
Goals: 0
Assists: 18
BVB, Defense: Daniel Svensson
The Swede played almost non-stop in the first half of the season, ultimately accumulating the third-most minutes in the squad. He contributed a lot of running and displayed high tactical discipline. However, his impact in attack was often too subtle. The second half of 2026, in particular, saw more shadow than light, indicating a need for improvement. Rating: 4.
Matches: 45
Minutes: 3462
Goals: 4
Assists: 2
BVB, Defense: Waldemar Anton
The former Stuttgart player accumulated the second-most minutes and delivered numerous flawless performances. Anton, not Schlotterbeck, has become Dortmund’s defensive anchor. He defends relentlessly, stays alert, and throws himself into every challenge. This is precisely what was hoped for from him. Rating: 2.
Matches: 44
Minutes: 3927
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Aaron Anselmino
The loan signing from Chelsea, who previously had no match experience, made a strong debut and was then sidelined for weeks. Once Anselmino was fit again, he impressed in every game with aggressive and intelligent tackles, as well as surprising composure on the ball. The 20-year-old showed the potential for more, but then had to leave the club unexpectedly as his loan club Chelsea exercised their recall clause in the winter. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 10
Minutes: 585
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
BVB, Defense: Ramy Bensebaini
After initial difficulties, the Algerian settled in at Dortmund and had a more than decent year. Bensebaini, considered one of the team’s best technicians, showed significant improvement in his defensive play. His contributions to build-up play were also consistently solid. He ranks among the top scorers for BVB, alongside Guirassy, Brandt, Beier, and Adeyemi. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 32
Minutes: 2396
Goals: 7
Assists: 3
BVB, Defense: Luca Reggiani
The young Italian was brought into the team due to injuries, found his footing, scored in his fourth Bundesliga game, and subsequently received his first professional contract. As a part of a back three, he was understandably often focused on security. He needed significant coaching from his teammate Anton at times. Overall, however, he performed quite decently. Rating: 3.5.
Matches: 9
Minutes: 603
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Emre Can
Like Schlotterbeck, the captain was also sidelined for several months at the beginning of the season. Can’s performances were inconsistent afterward, before he was ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Rating: 3.5.
Matches: 16
Minutes: 980
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Niklas Süle
Süle’s four years at Borussia have been a continuous disappointment, largely due to numerous injuries. This season was no different, with the center-back missing 22 competitive matches. He will now end his career at the age of 30. Rating: 4.5.
Matches: 13
Minutes: 632
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
BVB, Defense: Yan Couto
Last year’s problem child has followed through on his promise of improvement in the first half of the season, showing noticeable progress. While defensive duels may no longer be Couto’s specialty, he’s committed and has gradually reduced his high error rate. However, in the second half of the season, he was overshadowed by the in-form Ryerson and mostly found himself on the bench. Consequently, he has once again failed to justify his high transfer fee of 25 million euros. Despite this, six goal contributions are acceptable. Rating: 4.5.
Matches: 27
Minutes: 1501
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
BVB, Defense: Filippo Mane
The 20-year-old benefited from the absence of Schlotterbeck and Can at the start of the season and made his professional debut in the cup match in Essen with a decent performance. Five days later, he made his Bundesliga debut, conceded a penalty shortly before the end, and received a red card. Subsequently, he was completely out of favor, and Reggiani then surpassed him. He is now part of the U23 squad. A bitter turn of events for him. No rating.
Matches: 6
Minutes: 311
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
BVB, Midfield: Felix Nmecha
The German international had the best season of his time at BVB, impressing with consistently good performances – finally, one might think. While Nmecha still had moments where he faded, overall, he provided the Dortmund midfield with good control through his dominance on the ball, tempo-setting play, and vision. How important Nmecha became was evident during the weeks he was sidelined with injury. Rating: 2.
Matches: 42
Minutes: 3137
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
BVB, Midfield: Jobe Bellingham
It was evident that the step up from the second English league was significant for the new signing. Bellingham often played conservatively, and his balance when pressing was frequently lacking. On the positive side, he steadily improved, fought his way into the starting eleven, and ultimately started in 29 matches. Like Ryerson, he finished the season without scoring a goal. Rating: 3.5.
Matches: 45
Minutes: 2665
Goals: 0
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Julian Brandt
15 goal involvements in just 24 starts is truly impressive, and only Guirassy scored more goals than Brandt. Dortmund, who did not extend Brandt’s contract, will need to replace these scoring contributions. However, the consistent high level of performance that his talent suggests he should deliver was still lacking in his seventh year. Once again, there were a few frustrating performances. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 41
Minutes: 2203
Goals: 11
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Carney Chukwuemeka
The same applies to him as to Couto: a similarly high transfer fee and a similarly limited return. Chukwuemeka averaged 32 minutes per game, starting only ten times. In mid-April, against Hoffenheim, he played his first full 90-minute match as a professional. His lack of fitness remains the major issue; he desperately needs physical consistency. The potential of the Austrian World Cup participant is undisputed, but it only flashed too rarely. Rating: 4.5.
Matches: 38
Minutes: 1225
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
BVB, Midfield: Marcel Sabitzer
After a very weak previous season, the Austrian stabilized in midfield at the beginning of the season but then quickly declined again. Given his experience and potential, much more is expected from the 32-year-old. Sabitzer often disappears from the game and has little influence. Rating: 4.5.
Matches: 34
Minutes: 2347
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Pascal Groß
The 34-year-old, who was among the most frequent outfield players in 2024/25 with 15 strong assists, became a pure reserve player in the first half of the season, starting only eight times. When he did play, Groß rarely convinced. It was a very unsatisfactory half-season for him, which led him to rejoin his former club Brighton in the winter. Rating: 4.5.
Matches: 16
Minutes: 732
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
BVB, Midfield: Salih Özcan
It’s hard to say otherwise: Özcan successfully saw out his contract at Dortmund. The club did not register him for the Champions League, and a move in the summer did not materialize, partly due to injuries. Kovac stated that Özcan would get more minutes in the second half of the season, but he ended up with only 53. He will now leave the club on a free transfer. No rating.
Matches: 12
Minutes: 74
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
BVB, Attack: Karim Adeyemi
After being Dortmund’s most consistent attacker in the first half of the season (nine goal involvements), Adeyemi became the team’s biggest disappointment in 2026. He started only six more games, and missed a month due to injury. Nevertheless, he remained the team’s third-best scorer alongside Beier. Given his potential and hopes for the World Cup, this was an absolutely disappointing second half of the season for Adeyemi, who also drew negative attention in the first half of the year due to indiscipline on and off the pitch. Rating: 4.
Matches: 39
Minutes: 1836
Goals: 10
Assists: 6
BVB, Attack: Serhou Guirassy
Guirassy recorded 43 goal involvements in 45 games last year. This season, it was 28 in 46 games. His 22 goals are twice as many as the second-highest scorer, Brandt. The reason he didn’t score more was a prolonged dry spell where he only scored once in 13 Bundesliga matches. He also drew negative attention multiple times: penalty dispute in Turin, refusing a handshake with Kovac, and poor body language. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 46
Minutes: 3222
Goals: 22
Assists: 6
BVB, Attack: Maximilian Beier
Dortmund’s standout player of the second half of the season! With six goals and seven assists – and that’s despite rarely playing in his preferred position (double striker or attacking midfielder) – Beier might have played his way into the DFB squad for the World Cup. The 23-year-old has increasingly been deployed as a left wing-back recently and has performed very well overall. He needs to maintain this efficiency going forward. Rating: 2.5.
Matches: 44
Minutes: 2736
Goals: 10
Assists: 10
BVB, Attack: Fabio Silva
The new striker arrived at Dortmund injured and had to catch up significantly. As a result, he often only managed short appearances. However, with his energetic play, he showed that he can be a reinforcement. When he did start, he lacked cutting edge, which is why he remained without a league goal for a long time. Seven assists overall is good, but he must significantly improve his goal-scoring figures next year. Rating: 3.5.
Matches: 39
Minutes: 1181
Goals: 3
Assists: 7
BVB, Attack: Samuele Inacio
«He sees things that others don’t at 30,» Kovac said of him. Indeed, Inacio has already shown that he can become a special player and will help the team next season. The Italian operates dynamically between the lines, works well defensively, and appears in dangerous attacking spaces. With a bit more precision, he could have already scored three or four goals. No rating.
Matches: 7
Minutes: 383
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
BVB Players Without Minutes
In total, nine players were part of the BVB squad but did not feature in any matches: Reserve goalkeepers Alexander Meyer (47 games in the squad), Patrick Drewes (two), and Silas Ostrzinski (nine); defenders Yannik Lührs (two), Danylo Krevsun (one), and Elias Benkara (three); and midfielders Julien Duranville (five), Giovanni Reyna (one), and Mussa Kaba (one).
Cole Campbell (16 minutes), Almugera Kabar (14), and Mathis Albert (2) each had a brief appearance.
English Translation:
Over the course of the entire season, four players in particular have disappointed at BVB. One offensive player becomes the winner of the second half. The season review for Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund heads into the summer break after 47 competitive games. BVB won 28 matches under coach Niko Kovac, lost ten games – with a goal difference of 98:59. In the Bundesliga, the Westphalians comfortably secured second place. The early exits from the Champions League playoffs and the DFB-Pokal round of 16 slightly tarnished the record. The performance review for the Black and Yellows’ professionals.
Note: Players with under 600 minutes of playing time will not receive a grade.
BVB, Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
47 competitive matches, only 57 goals conceded, 18 clean sheets: The Swiss international played the most minutes of all and consistently delivered good performances. Kobel repeatedly saved his team from conceding with spectacular saves, becoming a hero in the penalty shootout in the cup match in Frankfurt. Only his unnecessary pass in Freiburg, which earned Jobe Bellingham a red card, was a blemish. Grade: 2.
Matches: 47
Minutes: 4260
Goals Conceded: 57
Clean Sheets: 18
BVB, Defense: Nico Schlotterbeck
The center-back returned in September after a months-long injury layoff and played the first few games as if he had never been away. Then, however, consistency was lacking, and Schlotterbeck was involved in several conceded goals. The unrest surrounding his uncertain future was noticeable. He played well overall, but he can still do much better. On the plus side, five goals this season is a personal best for him. Grade: 3.
Matches: 37
Minutes: 3290
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
BVB, Defense: Julian Ryerson
The Norwegian scored no goals but provided a strong 18 assists. He managed 15 assists in the Bundesliga alone – only Bayern’s Michael Olise (22) and Luiz Diaz (17) were better. His work ethic and fighting spirit were top-notch, as always. However, on the international stage, he was sometimes clearly shown his limits. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 42
Minutes: 3067
Goals: 0
Assists: 18
BVB, Defense: Daniel Svensson
The Swede played almost non-stop in the first half of the season, ultimately accumulating the third-most minutes in the squad. He offers a lot of running and high tactical discipline. However, his offensive contribution was often too subtle. Especially in the year 2026, there was more shadow than light – he needs to improve. Grade: 4.
Matches: 45
Minutes: 3462
Goals: 4
Assists: 2
BVB, Defense: Waldemar Anton
The former Stuttgart player accumulated the second-most minutes and delivered numerous flawless performances. Anton, not Schlotterbeck, is Dortmund’s defensive leader. He defends relentlessly, is attentive, and throws himself into every ball. This is exactly what was hoped for from him. Grade: 2.
Matches: 44
Minutes: 3927
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Aaron Anselmino
The loan signing from Chelsea, who previously had no match experience, made a strong debut and was then out for weeks. When Anselmino was fit again, he convinced in every game with aggressive and intelligent tackling and surprising composure on the ball. The 20-year-old had the potential for more but then had to leave the club suddenly – his loan club Chelsea exercised the relevant clause in the winter. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 10
Minutes: 585
Goals: 1
Assists: 1
BVB, Defense: Ramy Bensebaini
The Algerian has settled in at Dortmund after initial difficulties and had a more than decent year. Bensebaini, considered one of the team’s best technicians, has improved significantly defensively. His offensive contributions in build-up play were also consistently solid. He ranks among the players with the most goals for BVB, behind the attackers Guirassy, Brandt, Beier, and Adeyemi. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 32
Minutes: 2396
Goals: 7
Assists: 3
BVB, Defense: Luca Reggiani
The young Italian entered the team due to injuries, found his footing, scored in his fourth Bundesliga game, and received his first professional contract in return. As the right-hand man in a back three, he was understandably often focused on security. He had to be coached a lot by his teammate Anton in between. Overall, however, he was quite decent. Grade: 3.5.
Matches: 9
Minutes: 603
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Emre Can
Like Schlotterbeck, the captain was also sidelined for several months at the start. Afterward, Can’s performances fluctuated before he ended his season early with an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Grade: 3.5.
Matches: 16
Minutes: 980
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
BVB, Defense: Niklas Süle
Süle’s four years at Borussia have remained a single disappointment, partly due to dozens of injuries. This season was also plagued by them, with the center-back missing 22 competitive matches. He will now end his career at the age of 30. Grade: 4.5.
Matches: 13
Minutes: 632
Goals: 0
Assists: 1
BVB, Defense: Yan Couto
Last year’s problem child has followed through on his words of improvement in the first half of the season and has noticeably improved in the meantime. While defensive duels may no longer be Couto’s specialty, he gives his all and has gradually shed his high error rate. In the second half of the season, however, he had no chance against the in-form Ryerson and was mostly on the bench. Thus, he has once again failed to justify his high transfer fee of 25 million euros. Six goal contributions are still okay. Grade: 4.5.
Matches: 27
Minutes: 1501
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
BVB, Defense: Filippo Mane
The 20-year-old benefited from the absence of Schlotterbeck and Can at the start of the season and celebrated his professional debut in the cup in Essen with a decent performance. Five days later, he made his Bundesliga debut, conceded a penalty shortly before the end, and saw red. Subsequently, he was completely out of the picture, then Reggiani overtook him. He is now part of the U23 team. It turned out bitter for him. No rating.
Matches: 6
Minutes: 311
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
BVB, Midfield: Felix Nmecha
The German international had the best season of his time at BVB, impressing with consistently good performances – finally, one might think. While Nmecha still faded here and there, overall, he provided the Dortmund midfield with good control through his dominance on the ball, acceleration, and vision. How important Nmecha has become was evident during the period he was sidelined with injury for weeks. Grade: 2.
Matches: 42
Minutes: 3137
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
BVB, Midfield: Jobe Bellingham
It was apparent that the step up from the second English league was significant for the newcomer. Bellingham often played it safe, and his balance when pressing was frequently lacking. Positively, he gradually improved, fought his way into the team, and ended up starting in 29 matches. Like Ryerson, he finished the season without scoring. Grade: 3.5.
Matches: 45
Minutes: 2665
Goals: 0
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Julian Brandt
15 goal contributions in only 24 starts is truly good; only Guirassy scored more goals than Brandt. Dortmund, who did not extend Brandt’s contract, will first have to replace these scorer points. However, the great consistency that one must expect from him given his talent was still absent in his seventh year. This time, there were again a few dreadful performances. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 41
Minutes: 2203
Goals: 11
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Carney Chukwuemeka
The same applies to him as to Couto: a similarly high transfer fee, a similarly limited return. Chukwuemeka played an average of 32 minutes, starting only ten times. In mid-April in Hoffenheim, he played a full 90 minutes for the first time in his professional career. His lack of fitness remains the big problem; he desperately needs physical consistency. The potential of the Austrian World Cup participant is undisputed but flashed far too rarely. Grade: 4.5.
Matches: 38
Minutes: 1225
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
BVB, Midfield: Marcel Sabitzer
After an extremely weak previous season, the Austrian stabilized in midfield at the beginning, but then quickly declined again. Given his experience and potential, much more is expected from the 32-year-old. Sabitzer disappears from games too often and has little influence. Grade: 4.5.
Matches: 34
Minutes: 2347
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
BVB, Midfield: Pascal Groß
The 34-year-old, who had the second-most appearances of all outfield players in 2024/25 and strong 15 assists, became a pure reserve player in the first half of the season. He only started eight more times. When he played, Groß rarely convinced. A very unsatisfying half-season for him, which is why he joined former club Brighton in the winter. Grade: 4.5.
Matches: 16
Minutes: 732
Goals: 0
Assists: 2
BVB, Midfield: Salih Özcan
It can hardly be said otherwise: Özcan successfully saw out his contract at Dortmund. The club did not register him for the Champions League, and a move in the summer did not happen, partly due to injuries. Kovac said Özcan would get more minutes in the second half of the season – in the end, it was 53. He will now leave the club on a free transfer. No rating.
Matches: 12
Minutes: 74
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
BVB, Attack: Karim Adeyemi
After being Dortmund’s most consistent attacker in the first half of the season (nine goal involvements), Adeyemi turned into the team’s biggest loser in 2026. He only started six more times and was out for a month with injury. He still remained the team’s third-best scorer alongside Beier. Given his potential and hopes for the World Cup, it was an absolutely disappointing second half of the season for Adeyemi, who also negatively stood out in the first half of the year with indiscipline on and off the pitch. Grade: 4.
Matches: 39
Minutes: 1836
Goals: 10
Assists: 6
BVB, Attack: Serhou Guirassy
Guirassy managed 43 goal involvements in 45 games last year. This time it was 28 in 46 games. His 22 goals are twice as many as the second-best scorer, Brandt. The reason it wasn’t more was his epic dry spell, where he only scored once in 13 Bundesliga matches. He also drew negative attention multiple times: penalty dispute in Turin, refusing a handshake with Kovac, poor body language. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 46
Minutes: 3222
Goals: 22
Assists: 6
BVB, Attack: Maximilian Beier
The winner of the second half of the season for Dortmund! With six goals and seven assists – and that’s despite him rarely playing in his preferred position (double striker or withdrawn striker in the center) – Beier might have fought his way into the DFB squad for the World Cup. The 23-year-old has increasingly been used as a left wing-back recently and has performed very well overall. In terms of efficiency, he needs to continue like this. Grade: 2.5.
Matches: 44
Minutes: 2736
Goals: 10
Assists: 10
BVB, Attack: Fabio Silva
The new striker arrived injured in Dortmund and had to make up for huge deficits. Therefore, he often only managed short appearances. With his energetic play, however, he showed that he can be an asset. When he did start, he lacked cutting edge, which is why he remained without a league goal for a long time. Seven assists overall are good, but he must urgently increase his goal-scoring figures next year. Grade: 3.5.
Matches: 39
Minutes: 1181
Goals: 3
Assists: 7
BVB, Attack: Samuele Inacio
«He sees things that others don’t at 30,» Kovac said of him. Inacio has indeed already shown that he can become a special player and will help the team next season. The Italian operates actively between the lines, also works well defensively, and appears in goal-scoring areas. With a bit more precision, he could have already scored three or four goals. No rating.
Matches: 7
Minutes: 383
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
BVB Players Without Playing Time
In total, there were nine players who were in the BVB squad but were not used: Reserve goalkeepers Alexander Meyer (47 times in the squad), Patrick Drewes (two), and Silas Ostrzinski (nine), defenders Yannik Lührs (two), Danylo Krevsun (one), and Elias Benkara (three), as well as midfielders Julien Duranville (five), Giovanni Reyna (one), and Mussa Kaba (one).
Cole Campbell (16 minutes), Almugera Kabar (14), and Mathis Albert (2) each had a brief cameo.