Roman Weidenfeller retired from professional soccer in 2018, but his link with Borussia Dortmund remains strong. As a club ambassador, he promotes the Black and Yellow brand worldwide. In an interview with Bolavip, the 45-year-old shares insights about his role and experiences.
“I am very thankful for my job as a brand ambassador for Borussia Dortmund,” Weidenfeller said. “I played 16 years for the club, and now I see things from a marketing perspective. I get to travel globally and support our brand, feeling the strength of Black and Yellow worldwide.“
As an ambassador, Weidenfeller represents the Black and Yellow during Dortmund’s expansion in the U.S. The club’s participation in the Times Square Cup in New York City for the fourth consecutive year highlights its increasing popularity, which has impressed him.
“I am very proud. We’ve gained much support from the U.S. and globally. There’s a huge community in Mexico. The fans here in the U.S. have been growing. We noticed it during the last Club World Cup from the attendance at our matches,” Weidenfeller noted.
Roman Weidenfeller continues to represent Borussia Dortmund as a club ambassador.
During his 16 years at Dortmund, Weidenfeller won two Bundesliga titles (2010/11, 2011/12) and two German Cups (2012, 2017). He remains cherished by the fans.
Witnessing Christian Pulisic’s rise
In the U.S., many fans were excited to see Christian Pulisic play for Dortmund from 2016 to 2019. Weidenfeller saw Pulisic rise from the academy and has fond memories of those years.
“I first met him as a kid when he joined Borussia Dortmund. He was very fast, with great technique and shot anticipation. He’s a great player,” Weidenfeller shared, recalling Pulisic’s journey to Chelsea and now to AC Milan.
A young Christian Pulisic in action for Borussia Dortmund.
“Right now, he is successful. Recently, he won the Champions League, which I didn’t win (laughs). I respect Christian greatly. He is one of the best American players. Now at AC Milan, I hope he stays healthy and continues his career,”
The 2014 World Cup victory
Though he joked about not winning a Champions League, Weidenfeller is proud of his World Cup medal.
In 2014, he was part of the German team that won the World Cup in Brazil, a historic achievement. This victory has significantly shaped Weidenfeller’s legacy.
“Winning the World Cup is the most important trophy in soccer. I had the chance to hold that trophy. The teamwork we had was amazing, and we started saying we wanted to win it,” Weidenfeller reflected.
Roman Weidenfeller celebrates with the trophy after the 2014 World Cup final.
“Everyone was focused on winning. We were the first European team to win in South America, and we aimed for that. We achieved it,”
“Winning the title at the World Cup means I am a champion for life. I’m proud and thankful for my teammates.”
Inside Germany’s historic 7-1 win over Brazil
One of Germany’s standout victories during the World Cup was the semifinal against Brazil. Despite Brazil being favorites, the team triumphed with a remarkable 7-1 score, which continues to resonate.
“When we started the match, nobody expected a 7-1 score. I was on the bench during Brazil’s early attacks, but we countered and scored goals. Afterwards, Brazil struggled,” Weidenfeller remembered.
Roman Weidenfeller with the World Cup trophy during the celebrations in Germany.
“We maintained our respect and waited to celebrate until after Brazil left the pitch. Later, we celebrated, which was key. Many Brazilian players backed us in the final against Argentina, helping us win the title.“
Facing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
While the Brazil match may be the first remembered during the 2014 World Cup, Germany also faced Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They dominated Portugal 4-0 in the opening game and secured a 1-0 victory against Argentina in the final.
“I played against both Messi and Ronaldo, and also faced Brazilian stars like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Many young players ask if I played against them, and I say yes. It’s a proud moment for me,” Weidenfeller stated.
Weidenfeller faced Ronaldo more frequently at the club level, particularly in a memorable 2013 Champions League semifinal where Dortmund triumphed over Real Madrid.
Roman Weidenfeller against Cristiano Ronaldo during a Champions League match.
“I faced Ronaldo many more times than Messi. Every game against him was a big challenge, especially when we faced teams like Real Madrid and Juventus,” Weidenfeller said.
Weidenfeller on Messi’s impact in soccer in the US
Weidenfeller credits Messi’s move to MLS with boosting soccer’s popularity in the U.S.
“Lionel Messi is a major figure in soccer, and his joining MLS has increased its popularity,” he mentioned. Now many people are watching soccer in Miami.
“Messi and Marco Reus are enhancing the MLS. Marco won the title with LA Galaxy, and having such players raises the league’s profile globally.“
Former teammate Marco Reus shines in MLS
While Messi attracts attention, Weidenfeller also follows Marco Reus in MLS. After 12 years with Dortmund, Reus joined MLS in 2024.
The Borussia Dortmund team lines up ahead of the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.
“When I first met Marco at Borussia Dortmund, he was a standout player and now is a major brand for Dortmund and MLS. He’s humble and nice,” Weidenfeller remarked about Reus, expressing hopes to see him back at Dortmund in the future.
“I’m excited to see Marco when he returns. He has time to focus on soccer now,” Weidenfeller added. His presence in MLS helps our brand globally.“
Iconic Dortmund teammates
Weidenfeller played alongside many superstars at Dortmund, including Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, and Mario Gotze, making it tough to pick just one standout player.
“Everyone impressed me,” Weidenfeller stated. “I joined Dortmund at 21, meeting legends like Jürgen Kohler and Stefan Reuter. It’s amazing to reunite with these players at legends games.”
“During my career, many young talents joined, like Jadon Sancho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Even Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham played for Dortmund.
Roman Weidenfeller, Mohamed Zidan, and Patrick Owomoyela (L-R) take a photo before a friendly of legends.
“(Alexander) Isak is also someone who went unnoticed before but is now a top player in the Premier League. Borussia Dortmund offers young players a chance to grow and step up in their careers.
“Looking back, it was a great time, and I cherish the friendships built during my career. Sports can create meaningful connections, transcending language and background.“
The Jürgen Klopp influence
Weidenfeller worked under several renowned managers, and mentions Jürgen Klopp and Joachim Löw as particularly influential.
“I learned from each manager, each with different styles. My most success came with Klopp and Löw,” Weidenfeller explained. “They both connect well with people, motivating players to work hard for them.”
Jürgen Klopp (left) and Roman Weidenfeller.
Löw guided Germany to the World Cup title, creating unforgettable memories for Weidenfeller. Klopp notably led Dortmund to multiple domestic titles and a Champions League final in 2013, enhancing many players’ careers.
“Klopp was more than a manager; he treated us like family. He motivated us to give our best while being smart and relatable,” Weidenfeller reflected.
After leaving Dortmund, Klopp found success at Liverpool. Now leading global soccer for Red Bull, he isn’t actively coaching but many hope he will return to Dortmund.
“I admire Klopp greatly and hope to see him back at Dortmund someday,” Weidenfeller stated.
Roman Weidenfeller greets fans after a game.
Retired players may move on, but Weidenfeller continues to support Borussia Dortmund as a dedicated ambassador. His journey with the club, which began in 2002, showcases that some connections do last forever.