Successful manager Ralf Kellermann is taking on a new role at Borussia Dortmund after his time at VfL Wolfsburg.

The outgoing sporting director will join the up-and-coming BVB Women in the same position in the summer, signing a contract until 2029. “With Ralf Kellermann, we are gaining an absolute expert who will take women’s soccer at Borussia Dortmund to a new level with his expertise and experience,” said managing director Carsten Cramer. “Ralf is one of the best and has proven this over many years in various positions. His appointment is a clear sign that we are also looking to the future with maximum ambition in women’s soccer.” In Dortmund, Kellermann will oversee a project that is still in its infancy. BVB only founded its women’s division in 2021, and the team currently plays in the third-tier Regionalliga West. The club is pursuing a plan to advance to the Bundesliga. Most recently, long-time national team player Alexandra Popp publicly toyed with the idea of transferring from Wolfsburg to BVB. Kellermann had already announced his departure from Wolfsburg in February. The 57-year-old said at the time that he would leave the club at the end of the season in order to “take on a new challenge once again.”

Kellermann has shaped VfL over many years. Born in Duisburg, he first came to Wolfsburg as a coach in 2008 and later moved into the role of sporting director. During this time, the club developed into a top international team and won a total of 20 titles.

The highlight was winning the triple of the championship, DFB Cup, and Champions League in 2013 with Kellermann as coach. Recently, however, Wolfsburg’s success has waned, with FC Bayern winning the championship every year since 2023.