Marco Reus

The hometown hero who returned to lead Dortmund for twelve years, scoring 170 goals and capturing two domestic cups before moving to LA Galaxy.

Marco Reus (born 31 May 1989) is a German professional footballer who played as a forward or attacking midfielder for Borussia Dortmund from 2012 until the end of the 2023–24 season. A hometown boy born in Dortmund, he left his youth club at age 17 to join Rot Weiss Ahlen before moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2009. His most successful spell there came in 2012, where he scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists, securing a Champions League spot. Reus returned to Dortmund as the club's savior after that season, winning two DFB-Pokals (2017, 2021) and two DFL-Supercups (2013, 2019). He served as captain from 2018 until his departure in 2024.

Quick Facts

Born: 31 May 1989
Birthplace: Dortmund, West Germany
Height: 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
Position: Attacking midfielder, forward
Current club: LA Galaxy

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.

Reader's Guide

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.