The 2025-26 season has been a tale of two halves for Borussia Dortmund — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by defensive lapses and missed opportunities. A deep dive into what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next.
As of April 2026, Borussia Dortmund sit in 5th place in the Bundesliga with 58 points from 29 matches. It’s a position that reflects a season of progress but also persistent inconsistency. While qualification for the Europa League is all but secured, Champions League elimination at the Round of 16 — courtesy of a narrow 1-0 defeat to PSG after a 2-2 home draw — underscores the gap to Europe’s elite.
The last time Dortmund finished outside the top three was in 2020, and while this campaign shows clear signs of rebuilding, the numbers reveal troubling trends. With 12 league defeats — seven of them at Signal Iduna Park — the team has lost its fortress-like aura. A mere 1.2 goals per game in the league highlights a chronic lack of cutting edge in attack, a recurring flaw that has derailed title ambitions.
"Dortmund look tactically smarter, but they still collapse in the final 15 minutes — it's becoming a psychological issue," experts suggest.
Under Edin Terzić, Dortmund have shifted from a 4-2-3-1 to a more balanced 4-3-3 formation, aiming for greater control through midfield dominance. The introduction of Nico Schlotterbeck as a deep-lying playmaker has increased average possession to 54% — up from 48% last season. Yet, this control hasn’t translated into dominance.
The link between midfield and attack remains fragile. Julian Brandt’s injury-plagued campaign has disrupted rhythm, while experiments with Youssoufa Moukoko as a false nine have yielded mixed results. A standout brace against Hoffenheim proved his potential, but inconsistency and poor decision-making in the final third have limited his impact. The system is evolving, but not yet coherent.
Julian Duranville has been the revelation of the season. The 20-year-old Belgian winger has scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists, combining blistering pace with intelligent movement. His performances on the left flank have been a rare constant in an otherwise erratic attack. In contrast, Sébastien Haller, limited to 11 appearances, has managed just 3 goals — a damning return for a central striker.
Emre Can, in the final year of his contract, has shown glimpses of his former self but lacks the dynamism of old. Meanwhile, Gregor Kobel has been a rock between the posts, keeping 10 clean sheets — his best tally since 2022 — and repeatedly bailing out a shaky backline.
Dortmund’s 2025 transfer window was cautious. The €18 million signing of Duranville has been a resounding success. However, the return of Armel Bella-Kotchap from his loan at Southampton has been underwhelming. Tasked with shoring up the defence, he’s been directly at fault for two goals this season. Youngster Tom Rothe has shown promise but lacks the physicality for consistent Bundesliga action.
The biggest miss? No marquee signing in central midfield. Attempts to use Sabitzer or Can as a deep-lying playmaker have failed. The January window passed without any attacking reinforcements, despite links to Jean-Philippe Mateta — a missed opportunity that has cost them dearly.
For 2026-27, Dortmund’s agenda is clear. A proven defensive midfielder is non-negotiable — names like Konrad Laimer and Denis Zakaria are being floated. In attack, a reliable, high-volume striker must replace Haller, whose contract expires in 2027. Securing Duranville on a long-term deal is essential. Finally, the club must decide on Terzić’s future: is he the man to lead a full rebuild, or is a more experienced voice needed?
Q: How is Dortmund's season going?
A: As of April 2026, Dortmund are 5th in the Bundesliga with 58 points. They’ve been eliminated from the Champions League by PSG but are on track for Europa League qualification. The season has shown improvement in structure but suffers from inconsistency, especially in attack and late-game management.
Q: Who has been Dortmund's best player this season?
A: Julian Duranville has been Dortmund’s standout performer. The 20-year-old winger has scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists, bringing much-needed dynamism to the left flank. His pace, dribbling, and decision-making have made him a fan favourite and a key piece for the future.
Q: What should Dortmund do in the transfer window?
A: Dortmund must prioritise signing a defensive midfielder to stabilise the centre of the park, bring in a proven striker to replace Haller, and extend Duranville’s contract. Additionally, clarity on Edin Terzić’s long-term role is essential to ensure strategic continuity.
