A Borussia Dortmund supporters' group has spoken out against midfielder Felix Nmecha's goal celebration, arguing it promotes a Christian campaign they say discriminates against LGBTQ+ people and conflicts with the club's values.

Nmecha scored twice in Dortmund's 2-1 victory over Elversberg on Saturday. To mark each goal, he pointed skyward, then mimed removing a crown from his head and setting it on the ground — gestures the fans' group linked to a campaign called 'The King's Return', run by the organisation Ballers in God.

The campaign at the centre of the row

Citing a recent investigation by German broadcaster ARD, the supporters' group said the campaign advocates "extremely conservative positions against homosexuality and transgender identity" and frames abortion as "Satan's plan." They argued this stance is incompatible with Dortmund's stated commitment to tolerance and diversity.

Ballers in God was founded by former Crystal Palace and Tottenham midfielder John Bostock. The organisation promotes Christian beliefs and counts high-profile footballers among its followers, including England internationals Marc Guehi and Bukayo Saka, as well as former Brazil forward Kaka.

Nmecha and Ballers in God respond

Nmecha moved to distance himself from the controversy, saying there had been "misunderstandings" around his celebration. "My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form," he said, adding that the gesture was "not intended to promote myself or any organisation."

Ballers in God also issued a statement in response. "We are encouraged by player-led movements such as The King's Return, where footballers themselves take the initiative to express their faith in Jesus," the organisation said. "Our desire is not only to share our hope, but to demonstrate love and respect towards everyone, including those who do not share our beliefs. Our focus has always been, and will always be, to point people to Jesus with grace and love."

Broader context in European football

The episode arrives amid ongoing tensions between religion and LGBTQ+ inclusion across European football. Last year, the Premier League withdrew from the Rainbow Laces campaign and ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall. In 2024, then Ipswich captain Sam Morsy cited his religious beliefs when declining to wear a rainbow armband, while Guehi wrote "I ♥ Jesus" on his own armband when captaining Crystal Palace. Manchester United also abandoned plans to wear a jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community after a player refused to participate.