Die Welt14 minutes agoSports1 min readGermanyView original

Nmecha's evangelical network used Klopp's statements without his consent

BVB player Felix Nmecha's goal celebration caused a stir because of connections to the evangelical network “Ballers in God”. Jürgen Klopp was also taken in by the group.

felix nmecha Jürgen Klopp bvb

Quick Look

The BVB player Felix Nmecha caused a stir with a religious celebration of the goal, which refers to the criticized network “Ballers in God”.
The DFB and Jürgen Klopp were also exploited by the association without authorization on social media.

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Why It Matters

Felix Nmecha has been criticized for his religious statements and connections to the evangelical network “Ballers in God”.

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Felix Nmecha's religious celebration after his brace against Elversberg caused great excitement. The BVB midfielder placed an imaginary crown on the pitch after his goals and, in his own words, demonstrated his connection to Jesus and God. The symbolism is used by the “Ballers in God” network. It has been criticized for homophobic and anti-queer statements made by its members, including Nmecha.

The evangelical network is very active on social media. In the past, it has also used statements from Jürgen Klopp when he was still coach of Liverpool FC. “Ballers in God” did this without Klopp’s consent.

When Klopp took office as national coach at the German Football Association (DFB), a picture of the 59-year-old was posted on Instagram with a statement from his time at Liverpool about his Christian faith. This creates the impression that Klopp supports the controversial association. As the DFB announced upon request, these posts were used without any consent and without Klopp's knowledge. The posts are no longer online.

Klopp is a devout Christian

Nmecha distanced himself from homophobic statements on Monday after a conversation with Klopp and DFB sports director Rudi Völler at the team headquarters in Herzogenaurach, but reaffirmed his religious beliefs. BVB is said to have forbidden him from celebrating a goal. Nothing is known from the DFB about a ban on cheering.