Who Owns Borussia Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund was founded in 1909 by Franz Jacobi and other members of a local Catholic youth group. The club established itself as a major force in German football, winning its first national championship in 1956. This founding as a community-based sports club established Borussia Dortmund's distinctive identity as a club that would serve its members and local community rather than external investors, creating a tradition of supporter ownership that would define the club's character throughout its history.

The club experienced its greatest period of success in the mid-1990s under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 1995 and 1996 and most notably, the UEFA Champions League in 1997. This golden era established Dortmund as one of Europe's elite teams. This remarkable achievement of winning Europe's most prestigious club competition demonstrated Borussia Dortmund's ability to compete at the highest level of European football while establishing the club among the elite of European football history.

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Borussia Dortmund has maintained its status as one of Germany's top clubs, known for developing young talent and playing an attacking style of football. The club has won multiple Bundesliga titles and domestic cups. This sustained success demonstrated Borussia Dortmund's ability to maintain competitive excellence while adapting to changing football landscapes and the increasing globalization of the sport.

The club has played at the Westfalenstadion (officially Signal Iduna Park) since 1974, which has a capacity of over 81,000 and is renowned for its passionate atmosphere, particularly the famous "Yellow Wall" standing terrace. This iconic stadium and its passionate supporters have become synonymous with Borussia Dortmund's identity, creating one of the most intimidating and celebrated home atmospheres in world football.