Felix Nmecha Faces Controversy Over Ties to Controversial Religious Group
Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha faces backlash over ties to a religious group promoting anti-LGBTQ+ views. Maccabi Haifa captain Kenji Gorre is also linked to the organization.
Felix Nmecha, Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Germany national team player, has found himself at the center of a controversy due to his ties with the Christian organization "Ballers in God", whose associated figures have promoted anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion messages. The scandal also involves Maccabi Haifa captain Kenji Gorre, a close friend of Nmecha who has previously stated his affiliation with the group.
The 26-year-old Nmecha scored a brace in a 2-1 victory over Elversberg last Saturday, celebrating by kneeling, removing an imaginary crown, and placing it on the pitch. The celebration is associated with the organization's religious campaign "The King's Return", founded in 2015 to unite Christian footballers worldwide.
According to an investigation by German broadcaster ARD, individuals linked to the organization have portrayed homosexuality as a "sin" and described abortion as part of a "devil's plan". Following the report, Borussia Dortmund's official fan organization criticized Nmecha's connection to the group, stating that they oppose religious networks that spread worldviews degrading or excluding people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Dortmund announced it would hold discussions with the player regarding the incident. The club emphasized that it expects all employees and players to ensure their behavior aligns with legal requirements and the club's core values, which include respect, diversity, and firm opposition to discrimination.
Gorre and Nmecha have known each other since their youth academy days in England, and last June, the Maccabi Haifa captain spoke about their friendship and shared affiliation with the movement during an interview with Portuguese radio station Renascença.
While Gorre's affiliation with the organization has been documented, including wearing bracelets associated with the group during the 2026 World Cup, no evidence has been presented indicating that the Maccabi Haifa captain himself has expressed anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-abortion views, and no disciplinary proceedings have been reported against him.
