German Report Links Dortmund Player and Maccabi Haifa Captain to Extremist Group
A German investigation has linked Borussia Dortmund player Felix Nmecha and Maccabi Haifa captain Kenneh Gorre to the Christian organization "Ballers in God." The group has reportedly spread anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion messages. Dortmund has announced it will speak with Nmecha, while Gorre's involvement is also under scrutiny, though no evidence of his personal endorsement of the group's views has been presented.
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- Felix Nmecha and Kenneh Gorre are linked to the Christian group "Ballers in God" by a German investigation.
- The group "Ballers in God" has allegedly promoted anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion messages.
- Borussia Dortmund will discuss Nmecha's alleged ties to the organization.
- Maccabi Haifa captain Gorre previously spoke about his friendship with Nmecha and their shared membership.
- No evidence has emerged that Gorre personally shares the group's controversial views.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder and German national team player Felix Nmecha is at the center of a controversy due to his alleged ties to the Christian organization "Ballers in God." According to a German ARD investigation, individuals associated with the group have disseminated anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion messages, labeling homosexuality as a "sin" and abortions as part of "Satan's plan."
The investigation also implicates Maccabi Haifa captain Kenneh Gorre, a close friend of Nmecha, who has previously stated he also belongs to the organization. Nmecha, 26, celebrated a recent goal by placing an imaginary crown on the ground, a gesture associated with the group's "The King's Return" campaign. The organization, founded in 2015, comprises Christian footballers globally.
The official Dortmund fan club has criticized Nmecha's affiliation, stating their opposition to religious networks that demean or exclude individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, lifestyle, or personal choices. They emphasized that their tolerance for intolerance ends when religious beliefs are used to deny human dignity.
Dortmund announced they would discuss the matter with Nmecha, expecting all employees and players to adhere to legal requirements and the club's core values of respect, diversity, equality, and opposition to discrimination. Nmecha faced similar criticism in 2023 for social media content perceived as homophobic and transphobic, though the club defended him at the time.
Gorre and Nmecha have known each other since their youth academy days in England. In June, Gorre described their friendship and shared membership in "Ballers in God" in an interview, calling Nmecha "like a brother." Both players participated in a joint prayer circle after Germany's victory over Curaçao during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Gorre was seen wearing bracelets associated with the organization, which also featured both players and mentioned their role in spreading the campaign's message during the tournament. However, the report notes that Gorre's membership does not necessarily mean he shares the group's controversial views, as no evidence of him personally expressing anti-LGBTQ+ or anti-abortion stances has been presented, nor has any investigation into him been reported.
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