Lars Ricken

2.1. Professional debut and early success

Ricken made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund on 8 March 1994, appearing in a 1-2 home defeat against VfB Stuttgart. At just 17 years of age, he became the youngest player to ever appear for the club in an official match, a record that was later surpassed by Nuri Şahin. From the 1994-95 season onwards, Ricken solidified his place as a regular in the first team. He played a significant role in Borussia Dortmund's back-to-back Bundesliga title victories in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons, during which he scored 8 goals in 47 matches. His early success also included winning the DFB-Supercup in both 1995 and 1996.

2.2. UEFA Champions League triumph and key moments

Ricken's most iconic moment came during the 1996-97 UEFA Champions League final against Italian giants Juventus FC. Coming on as a substitute, he scored a memorable long-distance goal after just 16 seconds on the field with his first touch, a magnificent loop shot that sailed over the opposing goalkeeper and secured a decisive 3-1 victory for Dortmund. This goal set a record for the fastest goal scored by a substitute in a UEFA Champions League final. At 20 years and 322 days old, he also became the youngest scorer in a Champions League final. His pivotal contribution in this historic victory cemented his status as a key player and a symbol of Borussia Dortmund's European success. Following this triumph, he further contributed to the club's success by helping them win the 1997 Intercontinental Cup against Cruzeiro.

2.3. Injury setbacks and return to form

In the years following the Champions League triumph, Ricken's promising career was significantly hampered by a series of recurring injuries. These setbacks caused him to miss major international tournaments, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000, despite having made his senior international debut in 1997. During the 2000-01 season, the arrival of Tomáš Rosický, who played a similar attacking midfield role, led to Ricken often being deployed as a substitute or in a deeper midfield position. Despite these challenges, he managed to regain his form, notably contributing to Borussia Dortmund's 2001-02 league title win by scoring a career-best six goals. His return to form earned him a call-up to the German squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2.4. Later career and retirement

After the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Ricken's injury struggles intensified, leading to a decline in his performance and a lack of further international recognition. In early April 2007, due to what was deemed substandard performance, he was demoted to the reserve team by then-manager Thomas Doll. He initially announced his retirement from professional football in November 2007. Seeking a return to professional football, he briefly participated in a training camp with MLS club Columbus Crew in February 2008, but he returned to Dortmund after only a few days. On 16 February 2009, he officially announced his definitive retirement from professional football, concluding his 15-year playing career exclusively with Borussia Dortmund.

3.1. Youth national teams

Ricken achieved success with Germany's youth national teams. He was part of the squad that won the U16 European Championship in 1992. Two years later, he also contributed to Germany's second-place finish in the U18 European Championship in 1994.

3.2. Senior national team

Ricken earned his first cap for the Germany national football team on 10 September 1997, in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia. Despite his promising debut, recurring injuries prevented him from participating in major tournaments such as the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. He later restored his form, earning a spot in the German squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Although Germany finished as runners-up in the tournament, Ricken did not feature in any matches during the competition. He accumulated a total of 16 international caps and scored 1 goal for the senior national team between 1997 and 2002. He also represented Germany in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.

4.1. Youth coordinator

On 11 June 2008, Lars Ricken was appointed as the youth coordinator for Borussia Dortmund, a pivotal role he held for 16 years until 2024. In this capacity, he oversaw the club's youth development programs, playing a crucial role in nurturing young talent and maintaining the club's pipeline of future players. His work emphasized the importance of developing homegrown players within the club's philosophy. Even while serving as youth coordinator, he briefly continued to appear for the club's amateur side, Borussia Dortmund II, in the Regionalliga West.

4.2. Managing Director for Sport

On 22 April 2024, Borussia Dortmund announced Ricken's appointment as the new Managing Director for Sport, effective from 1 May 2024. In this significant executive role, he took over the duties from long-serving CEO for Sport, Hans-Joachim Watzke. His responsibilities now include overseeing the club's entire sporting operations, from player acquisitions and team management to strategic development, further deepening his integral role in the club's future and ensuring the continuity of its sporting values.

5.1. Club

• Bundesliga:
  • Winners: 1994-95, 1995-96, 2001-02
• DFB-Supercup:
  • Winners: 1995, 1996
• UEFA Champions League:
  • Winners: 1996-97
• Intercontinental Cup:
  • Winners: 1997
• UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League:
  • Runner-up: 2001-02
• DFB-Pokal:
  • Runner-up: 2007-08
• DFB-Ligapokal:
  • Runner-up: 2003

5.2. International

• FIFA World Cup:
  • Runner-up: 2002
• U16 European Championship:
  • Winners: 1992
• U18 European Championship:
  • Runner-up: 1994