Mats Hummels says goodbye to Dortmund

World champion Mats Hummels played for Borussia Dortmund for 13 years. He said goodbye at the season opener against Juventus Turin.

At the season opener in Dortmund , the spotlight is usually on the new players. For many fans, it's the first time they've seen new signings, regulars, and youth players together on the pitch. This year, things are different: The spotlight is on a former BVB player, who will be donning the black and yellow number 15 jersey for the last time.

With Mats Hummels, a football world champion who won two German titles with BVB under coach Jürgen Klopp is saying goodbye to Dortmund. He enjoys legendary status among many fans. "An era is coming to an end. It's a strange feeling that his career is finally over. It's difficult," says Dortmund fan Maik Kaminski from Rheinsberg in Brandenburg.

He traveled there especially for Hummels's farewell with his wife, Nadine Pfeifer, and his daughter, Emma. His partner describes him as the "biggest Mats Hummels fan," and all three are wearing a black and yellow jersey with his number 15 on the back. "The little one and I will definitely shed a tear later," admits Nadine Pfeifer.

This time, a particularly large number of fans are out and about around the Westfalenstadion wearing Hummels' jerseys. "It's all very emotional," says BVB fan Tobias from Schwerte: "He's a huge idol, a figurehead. This will be a great farewell for him." Nadine from Legden in Münsterland agrees:

Many fans would like to see Hummels continue as a coach or official at BVB at some point. Maik Kaminski, for example, said: "For now, he should enjoy his life and take a little vacation. I think those in charge know exactly what they have in him." He would trust him to take on both the coaching and managerial roles.

Hummels received a warm farewell from the management before the friendly against Juventus Turin. The more than 80,000 spectators sang the classic "We are all Dortmund boys." After just 20 minutes, Hummels was finally called it a day at the Westfalenstadion: the entire Dortmund team lined up to greet him as he was substituted.