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Borussia Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka Announce Official Club Partnership

Borussia Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka are proud to announce the signing of an official club partnership, marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to advancing youth development and fostering international collaboration in football.

This partnership builds upon a history of successful activities between the two clubs, including the memorable friendly match in Osaka during the summer of 2024, where former BVB player Shinji Kagawa reunited with his old club and friends as a player of Cerezo Osaka. Additionally, Cerezo Osaka’s women’s team embarked on a pre-season tour to Dortmund, featuring a friendly match against BVB’s women’s team. These events showcased the strong connection between the clubs and laid the foundation for this long-term alliance.

The partnership will focus on professionalising youth development structures and pathways in Japan. As part of this initiative, Borussia Dortmund will send a full-time expert to Cerezo Osaka to primarily support the development of data analysis for the club. Recognised globally as a leader in youth development, BVB’s academy has established itself as a premier platform for nurturing young talents and guiding them toward professional careers.

Mr. Hioki, CEO of Cerezo Osaka, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to officially partner with Borussia Dortmund, a club renowned for its excellence in youth development and its commitment to innovation. This collaboration will provide invaluable opportunities for our players, coaches, and teams, and we look forward to building a bright future together.”

Benedikt Scholz, Director Internationalization and Commercial Partnerships & Managing Director BVB Football Academy & BVB Football Academy, added: “This partnership represents a great opportunity to strengthen ties between our clubs and contribute to the growth of football in Japan. We are excited to share our expertise and work closely with Cerezo Osaka to create impactful development pathways for young talents.”

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The partnership will feature a series of beneficial activities for both clubs, including further exchanges in women’s football for players, coaches, and teams. Borussia Dortmund’s women’s team already includes Japanese talent Sara Ito, highlighting the club’s commitment to fostering international connections. Additionally, promising talents from Cerezo Osaka’s academy will have the opportunity to train and develop in Dortmund, further enhancing their skills and experiences.

Both clubs are beyond excited to officially kick off this long-term partnership and showcase the strong bond and alliance between Borussia Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka, united by their shared vision for the future of football. Shinji Kagawa, a symbol of the connection between the two clubs, will play a key role in celebrating this partnership.

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