Marco Reus

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Reus’s return to Borussia Dortmund on 1 July 2012 marked a pivotal moment in the club's history. Having signed from rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach for €17.1 million, he immediately made his mark. On 29 September 2012, just months after joining, he scored two goals in a 5–0 rout of his former club, pushing Dortmund to the top of the table. His Champions League debut season was equally electric; he opened the scoring against Manchester City and netted a spectacular volley against Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas on 6 November 2012. The season culminated in a run to the final at Wembley Stadium, where Reus earned a penalty that İlkay Gündoğan converted, though Bayern Munich secured victory with a late goal by Arjen Robben. This campaign established Reus as the club's talisman, setting the stage for a twelve-year tenure defined by both brilliance and resilience.

In Their Own Story

The journey to the 2013 Champions League final was paved with dramatic moments spearheaded by Reus. In the quarter-final second leg against Malaga on 9 April 2013, he scored an injury-time goal that sparked a stunning comeback, helping Dortmund win 3–2 and progress on aggregate after defeating Real Madrid in the semi-finals. On 16 February 2013, he delivered a perfect hat-trick, netting all goals in a thumping of Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite missing out on the trophy at Wembley, his leadership was undeniable. The following years brought physical setbacks; an ankle injury in September 2014 and a syndesmosis tear ruled him out of the 2014 DFL-Supercup win and kept him sidelined for months. Yet, he returned to score crucial goals, such as the winner against Galatasaray on 22 October 2014. His dedication was recognized when he became club captain in 2018, a role he held until 2023, guiding the team through seven Bundesliga runner-up finishes and lifting major trophies in 2017 and 2021.

Reader's Guide

Navigating Reus’s career requires understanding his dual impact as a scorer and playmaker. His versatility allowed him to operate as a forward or attacking midfielder, crucial in the high-tempo system utilized during his peak years. Fans should note his specific turning points: the 2011–12 season at Gladbach where he scored 18 goals, his immediate impact upon returning to Dortmund in August 2012, and his resilience following the 2014 injury that cost him a World Cup spot. His tenure ended after twelve years when his contract expired in 2024, leading to his move to LA Galaxy in August 2024. During his time at Dortmund, he was voted German Footballer of the Year twice and Bundesliga Player of the Season three times.

Did You Know?

• Reus is one of only three players to reach the landmark of 100 Bundesliga goals and 100 assists, alongside Andreas Möller and Thomas Müller.
• He scored a spectacular volley against Iker Casillas for Real Madrid on 6 November 2012 after receiving a kick-down from Robert Lewandowski.
• Reus missed three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2022) and two UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020) due to physical reasons.
• He served as Borussia Dortmund's captain from 2018 until 2023, following a twelve-year stint with the club.
• After leaving Germany for the first time in his career, Reus won the MLS Cup just four months after signing for LA Galaxy in August 2024.