Mats Hummels to leave Borussia Dortmund as free agent after 13 years at club- ‘It was a huge honour’

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that central defender Mats Hummels will leave the club at the expiration of his contract at the end of June.

It brings to an end an association between Hummels and Dortmund that has lasted 13 years and saw him win two Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, as well as reaching the final of the Champions League twice.

Indeed, the 35-year-old played a starring role in Dortmund’s run to the final this season – where they eventually lost to Real Madrid 2-0 – and drew rave reviews for his performances in Europe.

However, just a day after the club confirmed the departure of manager Edin Terzic, they have now also verified reports that Hummels would not be offered a new deal despite his strong play.

Hummels said: “Borussia Dortmund fans, my time at the Black & Yellows has come to an end after 13 years in total. It was a huge honour and a joy for me to play for BVB for such a long time, and to be almost ever-present on the journey from 13th place in the table in January 2008 to what Borussia Dortmund represents today.

"This club and its fans are special – and for me they’re much more than that. I would also like to thank all the staff at BVB, who do outstanding work for this club, plus of course the countless fantastic coaches and teammates I have worked and played alongside.

"I hope that I can see you all again celebrating on Borsigplatz as soon as possible. Until then, I will be cheering for this club from afar – and hopefully often in the stadium as well. I will miss you all.” 

Lars Ricken, Borussia Dortmund’s managing director for sport, added: “Mats was one of the driving forces behind Borussia Dortmund over the last 15 years. He won lots of trophies, and without question his personal crowning achievement was winning the World Cup in 2014.

"Mats’ play as a centre-back was and is outstanding, and entire generations of players would love to have his ability to play the ball with the outside of his foot. We have now decided to go our separate ways, and of course it’s never easy for anyone involved to make decisions like this.

"Mats will for ever be part of BVB’s history. We have so much to thank him for, and he also has a lot to thank this extraordinary club for. We wish him all the best for the future.” 

Hummels did not confirm which club he will join next, but he has been heavily linked with a switch to Italy.

Both AC Milan and AS Roma have been mentioned in German and Italian media as possible destinations for him.

His exit leaves Dortmund with just Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule as the club’s recognised central defenders, although both Ramy Bensebaini and club captain Emre Can can play there when required.

Hummels first joined Dortmund from Bayern Munich in 2007-08 having come up in the Bavarian’s side academy.

The defender initially joined on loan but impressed sufficiently to make the move permanent, and he rose to prominence as a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing revolution that saw the Black and Yellow win back-to-back Bundesliga titles.

Hummels returned to Bayern in 2016 for three seasons, winning a further three Bundesliga titles, before he rejoined Dortmund in 2019.

At the international level, Hummels was part of the Germany squad that won the World Cup in 2014 and has won 78 caps for his country but was left out of the team by manager Julian Nagelsmann for the 2024 European Championship, which start on Friday and will be played on home soil.

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