Lars Ricken
Lars Ricken is a retired German midfielder best known for his long and loyal career at Borussia Dortmund. A one-club man with exceptional technique, vision, and composure, he famously scored within seconds of coming on in the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final — one of the most iconic goals in the competition’s history.
📌 Club Career
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–2009 | Borussia Dortmund | 407 | 49 |
| 2008–2009 | Borussia Dortmund II | 8 | 1 |
| Total | 415 | 50 | |
🌍 International Career
| Years | Team | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2002 | Germany | 16 | 1 |
Ricken made his senior debut for Germany in 1997 and represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, known for his tactical awareness and professionalism.
🏆 Honours
Borussia Dortmund
- Bundesliga: 1994–95, 1995–96, 2001–02
- DFL-Supercup: 1995, 1996
- UEFA Champions League: 1996–97
- Intercontinental Cup: 1997
- UEFA Cup: Runners up 2001-02
- UEFA Super Cup: Runners up 1997
- DFB Pokal:runners up 2007-09
- DFB Ligapokal: Runners up 2003
Germany
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 1996
- FIFA World Cup runners up:2002
⭐ Individual Awards
- UEFA Champions League Final Goal (1997) – Fastest goal by a substitute (16 seconds)
🎨 Style of Play
Ricken was a technically adept attacking midfielder capable of dictating play from deep or supporting the forwards. His passing, movement, and timing of runs made him a natural fit in Dortmund’s fast, fluid system. Despite injuries later in his career, his intelligence and loyalty made him a fan favourite and a symbol of Dortmund’s golden era.
👔 Post-retirement Career
After retiring in 2009, Ricken stayed with Borussia Dortmund, taking on key roles in the club’s youth academy and development programs. He continues to work as the club’s youth coordinator and remains a vital figure in nurturing future generations of Dortmund talent.