Germany sporting director Rudi Völler announced on Monday that he intends to hold talks with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha following the controversy surrounding his goal celebration over the weekend.
After getting on the scoresheet in Dortmund’s 2-1 win over SV Elversberg, Nmecha kneeled down, removed an imaginary crown and placed it on the ground – a celebration he had also performed after scoring for Germany in their 7-1 win over Curaçao at last summer’s World Cup.
The celebration has been associated with the evangelical network “Ballers in God”, which LGBTQ+ organisations have described as “Christian fundamentalist”, and its campaign “The King’s Return”.
According to research by, among others, ARD’s Monitor programme, parts of the religious group hold homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ views and describe abortion as “Satan’s plan”.
However, Nmecha has now taken to Instagram to clarify the meaning behind his celebration, insisting that he was not seeking to promote any organisation, discrimination or hate, but rather to express his faith in Jesus.
“It has been brought to my attention that my recent goal celebration has led to some misunderstandings,” Nmecha wrote.
“My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organization. Rather, it is about laying my “crown” before the soon coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength!
“My message has never been about promoting intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.
“As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for everyone, regardless of where they come from, what they believe, or what their worldview may be.
“For God so loved the world..”
. John 3:16,” he concluded.
Nmecha is part of Germany’s squad for the upcoming fixtures against Serbia on November 13 and the Netherlands on November 16.
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