Borussia Dortmund ended their Bundesliga season on a high note, clinching second place with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park. But the match was more than just a win—it was an emotional farewell to four key figures who have left their mark on the club.
The club honored sporting director Sebastian Kehl, along with players Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan, whose contracts expire this summer. Brandt captained the team one last time, while Süle and Özcan entered as late substitutes, soaking in the atmosphere of their final home game in black and yellow.
Kehl, a former Dortmund midfielder who later became a pillar of the club's leadership, received a heartfelt tribute from legendary stadium announcer Nobby Dickel: "He lived and breathed black and yellow!" After over two decades of service, Kehl's contract termination is expected to cost the club between €1.5 and €2 million—a small price for a man who defined an era.
For Brandt, Dickel had special praise: "One of the most technical footballers we have seen here in recent years." The former Bayer Leverkusen star made over 300 appearances for Dortmund, leaving a legacy of creativity and flair.
Süle's farewell came with extra emotion, as he announced his retirement from football just a day earlier. Dickel honored him as "a man who stands for force, passion, and emotion like no other," highlighting his resilience in overcoming injuries to return stronger each time.
Özcan, described by Dickel as "an honest worker who prefers to grumble instead of talk, a fighter and mentality player," may not be leaving German football entirely. Despite a challenging spell at Dortmund, the Turkish international has attracted interest from other Bundesliga clubs.
As the final whistle blew, Kehl, Brandt, Süle, and Özcan shared a poignant moment with the fans in front of the famous Yellow Wall, receiving a standing ovation that echoed through the stadium. It was a bittersweet end to a season—celebrating a strong finish while saying goodbye to legends who helped shape Dortmund's identity.