Marco Reus
German footballer.
Marco Reus, currently playing for Borussia Dortmund, is a German professional footballer known for his versatility, technical skills, and loyalty to his hometown club. Born on May 31, 1989, in Dortmund, Reus began his youth career with Post SV Dortmund before joining Borussia Dortmund's youth academy in 1996. After leaving Dortmund's youth setup in 2006, Reus joined Rot Weiss Ahlen, where he made his senior debut. His performances there caught the attention of Borussia Mönchengladbach, who signed him in 2009.
At Gladbach, Reus flourished, particularly in the 2011-12 season, when he scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in the Bundesliga. In 2012, Reus returned to his boyhood club, Borussia Dortmund, where he has since become a club legend. Over his 12-year tenure at Dortmund, Reus has amassed 169 goals and 130 assists in all competitions. He has won three DFL-Supercups and two DFB-Pokals with the club, and was part of the team that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013. Reus has been a key figure for Dortmund under various managers, from Jürgen Klopp to Edin Terzić. He served as club captain from 2018 to 2023.
Despite his success, Reus' career has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss several major tournaments with the German national team. In February 2024, Reus announced that the 2023-24 season would be his last with Borussia Dortmund, bringing an end to his 12-year stint with his hometown club.
Before football & youth career
Marco Reus was born on May 31, 1989, in Dortmund, Germany. He began playing football at a young age, joining his local club, Post SV Dortmund, when he was just four years old. In 1996, Reus moved to the youth academy of Borussia Dortmund, his hometown club, where he spent the next decade developing his skills. Despite his talent, Reus struggled to secure a place in Borussia Dortmund’s senior team and eventually left the club in 2006 to join Rot-Weiß Ahlen.
At Rot-Weiß Ahlen, Reus continued his development, initially playing for the reserve team before breaking into the first team. His performances at Ahlen, particularly during the 2008/09 season, caught the attention of top clubs, leading to his move to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2009. This transfer marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in German football.
Start of his career
In the 2006/07 season, a 17-year-old Marco Reus played for Rot-Weiß Ahlen II in the Oberliga, marking his early steps into senior football. During this season, Reus made five appearances and showcased his emerging talent by scoring two goals.
This was a crucial period in his development, as it gave him the opportunity to adapt to the physicality and pace of senior-level football. Scoring twice in just a handful of games highlighted his potential and hinted at the goal-scoring ability that would become a hallmark of his career.
In the 2007/08 season, Marco Reus was still in the early stages of his professional career, playing for Rot-Weiß Ahlen’s reserve team in the Oberliga, Germany's fourth division. At just 18 years old, Reus began to showcase his potential, contributing to his team's success. He played a key role in helping the team secure promotion to the Regionalliga, the third tier of German football, by scoring six goals in 14 appearances.
This season was crucial for Reus's development as it allowed him to gain valuable experience and establish himself as a promising young talent. His performances at this level were instrumental in earning him a promotion to Rot-Weiß Ahlen's first team the following season. The 2007/08 season marked the beginning of Reus’s journey towards becoming a top-tier professional footballer.
In the 2008/09 season, Marco Reus began to make his mark in professional football with Rot-Weiß Ahlen in the 2. Bundesliga, Germany's second tier. At just 19 years old, he played 27 matches and scored four goals, showcasing his potential as a versatile attacking midfielder. Reus's performances were notable for his speed, dribbling, and ability to play both as a winger and centrally.
This season was pivotal for Reus, as it caught the attention of top-tier clubs, leading to his transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2009. His dynamic playing style and eye for goal hinted at the talent that would later make him one of Germany’s top players. Though his team finished in a mid-table position, Reus's contributions were a bright spot, marking the beginning of his rise in German football.
Marco Reus' 2009/10 season was his first with Borussia Mönchengladbach after transferring from Rot Weiss Ahlen. He made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 33 matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists. This was his breakthrough season in the top flight of German football, establishing himself as a regular starter for Gladbach.
One of the highlights of Reus' season came on August 28, 2009, when he scored his first Bundesliga goal in a 2-1 victory against Mainz 05. This goal marked the beginning of his rise in German football. Throughout the season, Reus showcased his speed, technical skills, and versatility, playing in various attacking positions. His performances were a bright spot in a challenging season for Gladbach, who finished 12th in the Bundesliga. The 2009/10 season was crucial for Reus' development, as it provided him with regular top-flight experience and allowed him to adapt to the demands of Bundesliga football.
His performances laid the foundation for his future success and established him as one of the most promising young talents in German football.
Becoming a regular starter
Reus' 2010/11 season with Borussia Mönchengladbach was a significant step forward in his development as a player. He made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 34 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists. His performances were crucial in helping Gladbach avoid relegation, as they finished 16th in the league and secured their top-flight status through a playoff. One of the most memorable moments of Reus' season came on the final day of the Bundesliga campaign.
On May 14, 2011, he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against VfL Bochum, which ensured Gladbach's place in the relegation playoff. This goal showcased Reus' ability to perform under pressure and his importance to the team. Throughout the season, Reus continued to develop his versatility, playing in various attacking positions and demonstrating his skill in both scoring and creating goals. His performances caught the attention of larger clubs and began to put him on the radar for the German national team.
Reus' 2011/12 season with Borussia Mönchengladbach was his breakthrough campaign, establishing him as one of the most exciting talents in German football. He made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 32 matches, scoring an impressive 18 goals and providing 11 assists. His outstanding performances were instrumental in Gladbach's fourth-place finish, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history.
One of the highlights of Reus' season came on August 27, 2011, when he scored a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Werder Bremen. He continued to deliver crucial performances throughout the season, including a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win against Bayern Munich on January 20, 2012. Reus' exceptional form earned him his first call-up to the German national team in October 2011. He made his international debut against Turkey and scored his first international goal against Greece in a friendly match in February 2012.
The 2011/12 season was a turning point in Reus' career, earning him the Footballer of the Year award in Germany and attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. His performances ultimately led to his transfer back to his boyhood club, Borussia Dortmund, for the following season.
Marco Reus' 2012/13 season marked his return to Borussia Dortmund after six years away. He made an immediate impact, featuring in 49 matches across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 16 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus played 32 games, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists. His contributions helped Dortmund secure a second-place finish in the league. One of his standout performances came on September 29, 2012, when he scored twice in a 5-0 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach, his former club. Reus played a crucial role in Dortmund's impressive Champions League campaign.
He scored in both legs of the semi-final against Real Madrid, helping the team reach the final at Wembley Stadium. Although Dortmund lost the final 2-1 to Bayern Munich, Reus' performances throughout the tournament showcased his ability to excel at the highest level. In the DFB-Pokal, Reus scored three goals in five appearances as Dortmund reached the quarter-finals. His seamless integration into the team and his consistent performances made his first season back at his boyhood club a resounding success.
Reus' 2013/14 season with Borussia Dortmund was one of his most prolific, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and overall impact on the team. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring an impressive 23 goals and providing 18 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 30 matches, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists. His contributions were crucial in helping Dortmund secure a second-place finish in the league. One of the standout performances of Reus' season came on November 23, 2013, when he scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory against Stuttgart. He continued to deliver crucial performances throughout the season, including scoring in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Reus also played a key role in Dortmund's run to the DFB-Pokal final, scoring in the semi-final against Wolfsburg. However, the team ultimately lost the final to Bayern Munich. The 2013/14 season was one of Reus' most consistent and impactful, further establishing him as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe. His performances earned him a place in Germany's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, although an ankle injury in the final warm-up match cruelly ruled him out of the tournament.
Becoming an established player
Marco Reus' 2014/15 season with Borussia Dortmund was a challenging one for both the player and the team. He made 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 20 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists. Despite his contributions, Dortmund struggled in the league, finishing in a disappointing 7th place after a poor start to the season. One of the highlights of Reus' season came on October 22, 2014, when he scored the opening goal in a 4-0 Champions League victory against Galatasaray.
He also played a crucial role in Dortmund's run to the DFB-Pokal final, scoring in the semi-final against Bayern Munich. The season was marred by injuries for Reus, including an ankle injury that forced him to miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, he showed his commitment to the club by signing a contract extension until 2019 in February 2015, despite interest from other top European clubs.
Marco Reus' 2015/16 season with Borussia Dortmund was one of his most productive, showcasing his goal-scoring ability and overall impact on the team. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring an impressive 23 goals and providing 8 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 26 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 2 assists. His contributions were crucial in helping Dortmund secure a second-place finish in the league. The season started strongly for Reus. On August 5, 2015, he scored in Dortmund's 5-0 win against Wolfsberger AC in the Europa League qualifiers.
He then opened the Bundesliga campaign with a goal and an assist in a 4-0 victory over his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 15. One of the highlights of Reus' season came on August 28, when he scored a hat-trick in a 7-2 home win against Odds BK in the Europa League play-offs. This performance demonstrated his ability to dominate matches at the European level. Reus continued to deliver crucial performances throughout the season.
On April 20, 2016, he scored in Dortmund's 3-0 away win against Hertha BSC in the DFB-Pokal semi-final, helping the team reach the final. The 2015/16 season was one of Reus' most consistent and impactful, further cementing his status as a key player for Borussia Dortmund.
Marco Reus' 2016/17 season with Borussia Dortmund was significantly impacted by injuries, limiting his appearances. He made 24 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 17 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists. Despite his limited playing time, he still managed to make a significant impact when fit. One of the highlights of Reus' season came on November 22, 2016, in a Champions League group stage match against Legia Warsaw. He scored twice and provided an assist in a historic 8-4 victory. This performance showcased his ability to influence big games even after returning from injury.
On December 3, Reus demonstrated his playmaking skills by assisting three goals in a 4-1 win against his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach. Four days later, he scored in a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League, helping Dortmund top their group. Unfortunately, Reus' season ended prematurely when he suffered a partial cruciate ligament tear during the 2017 DFB-Pokal Final. Despite this setback, Dortmund went on to win the match, giving Reus his first major trophy with the club.
Reus' 2017/18 season with Borussia Dortmund was a campaign of recovery and return to form after a long injury layoff. He made 15 appearances across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and providing 8 assists. Reus missed the first half of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury suffered in the previous season's DFB-Pokal final. He made his return on February 10, 2018, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 win against Hamburg. Despite his limited appearances, Reus made a significant impact upon his return. He scored his first goal of the season on February 18, netting the winner in a 1-0 victory against his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Reus continued to contribute crucial goals and assists in the latter part of the season, helping Dortmund secure a fourth-place finish in the Bundesliga. On March 9, 2018, Reus signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund until June 30, 2023, demonstrating his commitment to the club despite interest from other top European teams. The 2017/18 season, while shortened due to injury, showcased Reus' resilience and his importance to Dortmund. His return provided a significant boost to the team's performances in the crucial final months of the campaign.
Prime years
Marco Reus' 2018/19 season with Borussia Dortmund was one of his most impressive campaigns, showcasing his leadership and attacking prowess. He made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus played a pivotal role in Dortmund's title challenge, featuring in 27 matches and contributing 17 goals and 8 assists. His performances were crucial as Dortmund finished second, just two points behind Bayern Munich. Reus' form earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Season award. One of the highlights of Reus' season came on September 14, 2018, when he scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
He continued to deliver crucial performances throughout the campaign, including a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win against Bayern Munich on November 10. In the Champions League, Reus helped Dortmund reach the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Tottenham_Hotspur_FC. He scored three goals in the group stage, including a brace against Monaco. The 2018/19 season also saw Reus take on the role of club captain, demonstrating his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. His consistent performances and ability to inspire his teammates were widely praised.
Marco Reus' 2019/20 season with Borussia Dortmund was a campaign marked by impressive performances but ultimately cut short by injury. He made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and providing 7 assists before his season was prematurely ended. In the Bundesliga, Reus featured in 19 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 6 assists. His contributions were crucial in Dortmund's title challenge, with the team finishing second behind Bayern Munich. One of his standout performances came on August 17, 2019, in a 5-1 victory over Augsburg, where he scored a goal and provided two assists. Reus also played a key role in Dortmund's Champions League campaign.
He scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague in the group stage, helping the team advance to the knockout rounds. However, Dortmund were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain. The season saw Reus continue in his role as club captain, demonstrating his leadership both on and off the pitch. His performances earned him praise from teammates and opponents alike, with many highlighting his technical skills and ability to influence games. However, Reus' season was cut short in February 2020 when he suffered a muscle injury during a DFB-Pokal match against Werder Bremen. This injury would keep him out for the remainder of the season, including the period when football resumed after the COVID-19 suspension.
Despite the premature end to his season, Reus' contributions were significant. He reached the milestone of 200 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund during this campaign, further cementing his status as a club legend. The 2019/20 season, while shortened for Reus, still showcased his importance to Dortmund and his ability to perform at the highest level. His absence in the latter part of the season was keenly felt by the team, underlining his value to Borussia Dortmund's attacking play and overall performance.
The 2020/21 season for Marco Reus was marked by both achievements and challenges. By February 2020, he had made 26 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals. However, his season was cut short due to a muscle injury that kept him out for the remainder of the campaign. Despite the injury setback, Reus still managed to achieve a significant milestone. On April 6, 2021, he scored in a 1-2 loss to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, becoming Dortmund's all-time top scorer in the competition with 18 goals.
The 2020/21 season highlighted Reus' importance to the team when fit, but also underscored the injury challenges that have plagued his career. Despite the shortened season, his contributions were still valuable to Dortmund's campaigns in both domestic and European competitions.
Marco Reus' 2021/22 season with Borussia Dortmund was a strong campaign that showcased his enduring quality and importance to the team. He made 29 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring 9 goals and providing 13 assists. This impressive tally demonstrated his continued ability to both score and create chances for his teammates. In total, Reus featured in 47 matches across all competitions during the 2021/22 season.
His contributions were crucial in helping Dortmund secure a second-place finish in the Bundesliga, ensuring Champions League qualification for the following season. One of the highlights of Reus' season came on February 13, 2022, when he scored his 150th goal for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions during a 3-0 win against Union Berlin. This milestone further cemented his legendary status at the club.
Senior professional & continued importance
Marco Reus' 2022/23 season with Borussia Dortmund was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with both personal achievements and team heartbreak. He made 47 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 9 assists. In the Bundesliga, Reus played a crucial role in Dortmund's title challenge. The team came agonizingly close to winning their first league title since 2012, leading the table going into the final matchday.
However, a 2-2 draw with Mainz on the last day allowed Bayern Munich to overtake them and claim the title on goal difference. This heartbreaking conclusion was particularly poignant for Reus, who has yet to win a Bundesliga title with his boyhood club. Despite the disappointing end to the league campaign, Reus had several notable performances throughout the season. He scored his 150th goal for Dortmund in all competitions during a 5-0 win against VfB Stuttgart in October 2022. In the Champions League, Reus helped Dortmund reach the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Chelsea. He scored two goals in the group stage, including one against Manchester City. The 2022/23 season also saw Reus reach personal milestones.
He made his 400th appearance for Borussia Dortmund in April 2023, further cementing his legendary status at the club. Despite the team's ultimate failure to secure the Bundesliga title, Reus' performances throughout the season demonstrated his enduring quality and importance to Dortmund, even as he entered the latter stages of his career.
Marco Reus' 2023/24 season with Borussia Dortmund has been a bittersweet farewell campaign for the club legend. Despite stepping down as club captain before the season began, Reus has continued to be an important player for the team, showcasing his enduring quality and experience. In the Bundesliga, Reus has made regular appearances, often coming off the bench to provide impact. One of his standout performances came on May 4, 2024, in a match against Augsburg where he scored once and provided two assists, demonstrating his continued ability to influence games. Reus has been particularly influential in Dortmund's Champions League campaign. He played a crucial role in helping the team reach the final, their first since 2013.
The prospect of playing at Wembley Stadium again, where Dortmund lost the final 11 years ago, has added a poignant narrative to Reus' final season. Throughout the season, Reus has continued to contribute goals and assists, further cementing his status as one of Dortmund's all-time greats. As of early May, he had scored eight goals and provided nine assists across all competitions. On May 3, 2024, Reus announced that this would be his final season with Borussia Dortmund, bringing an end to his 12-year stint with his hometown club. His last home game at Signal Iduna Park saw him score a free-kick goal and provide an assist in a 4-0 win over Darmstadt, a fitting tribute to his legendary status.
International youth teams
Reus’s journey with Germany’s youth national teams began in 2009 when he was called up to the U21 squad. Although his time with the youth teams was brief, Reus made an impact during his appearances. He earned two caps for the U21 team, debuting in a friendly match against Turkey in August 2009. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his rapid rise in club football, particularly with Borussia Mönchengladbach, where his performances had begun to attract attention on a national level. Despite his limited involvement with the youth teams, Reus’s skill, versatility, and potential were evident, and he quickly transitioned to the senior national team.
His time with the youth squads was a stepping stone that allowed him to gain valuable international experience and paved the way for his future contributions to Germany's senior team.
National team
Marco Reus made his debut for the Germany senior national team on October 7, 2011, in a Euro 2012 qualifying match against Turkey. His entry into the national team coincided with a golden generation of German football, and Reus quickly established himself as a key player. Known for his speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, Reus became a versatile option for Germany, capable of playing as a winger or attacking midfielder. Reus was part of Germany's squad for UEFA Euro 2012, where he scored his first international goal in the quarter-final against Greece. However, injury woes soon became a recurring theme in his international career. He was notably absent from Germany's triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign due to an ankle injury sustained just before the tournament, a huge blow for both Reus and the national team.
Despite these setbacks, Reus continued to be an integral part of the German team when fit. He returned to the squad for UEFA Euro 2016, although Germany was eliminated in the semi-finals. Injuries again plagued his career, causing him to miss the 2016 Olympics and most of the 2017 Confederations Cup, both of which Germany won. Reus returned to the international stage in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he played a significant role despite Germany's disappointing group-stage exit. He scored one goal and assisted another in the tournament. Following the World Cup, Reus continued to represent Germany in the UEFA Nations League and the Euro 2020 qualifiers, consistently contributing when available.
Over the years, Reus's international career has been marked by both brilliance and frustration. His ability to impact games is undeniable, but persistent injuries have often limited his contributions on the biggest stages. Nevertheless, Reus remains a respected and admired figure in German football, celebrated for his resilience and skill.
His style & roles
Marco Reus is known for his exceptional versatility, capable of playing across various attacking positions, including winger, attacking midfielder, and forward. His style of play is characterized by his pace, agility, and intelligent movement, which allow him to exploit spaces in opposition defenses effectively. Reus is a technically gifted player with excellent dribbling skills and close ball control, making him a constant threat in one-on-one situations. He possesses a keen eye for goal, often scoring from both open play and set pieces.
Reus is also known for his precise passing and ability to create opportunities for teammates, making him a key playmaker. His vision and quick decision-making contribute to his effectiveness in counter-attacks and build-up play. Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Reus’s resilience and consistency have established him as one of Germany’s most talented and influential players.