An interview with Neven Subotić, by Ben McFadyean.
Although you were born in Serbia, you grew up in the US. BVB has had several American players over the years who have gone on to be highly accomplished (Joe Gyau, Jovan Kirovski). Did that influence your decision to play at the Westfalenstadion?
“I knew of players like Jovan and Joe but did not speak to them at the time. My decision to come to Dortmund was based on watching the side on TV growing up, particularly during the years we lived in Germany as a family.
“BVB were very successful in the 90s; as is widely known, their stadium and fans made me want to be part of that legacy.”
You scored 16 goals for BVB in your time playing there, which, for a defender, is impressive. Which goal was the most memorable for you?
“I didn’t actually score many goals, but an emotional one was during the 3-2 win over Hoffenheim in the Pokal in 2015. It was a very tight game for a place in the semifinal, and it was a header.
“I didn’t score that many. That was extra special, especially as we went on to the final in Berlin, although we lost that (to Bayern).”
You played for BVB for almost 10 years and are highly regarded by the fans. What is special for you about the city and the fans and the club?
“Playing under Juergen, and of course alongside outstanding guys like Mats (Hummels), Nuri (Sahin), and Sebastian (Kehl), for one. The Players were inspiring.
“I remember when he left for Real Madrid; it was such a loss. We were all glad to see him back. Dortmund is a special club.”
You played for the Serbia team 36 times. Which players or games were most memorable from your time with the national team?
“I would say it would include Branislav Ivanovic and Aleksandar Kolarov; I speak to them now and then. Of course, it is nice to meet them when we see each other.
“From the national team, I mainly speak to my best mate Zdravko Kuzmanovic, who played for VfB Stuttgart and later Inter Milan.”
Who is your favourite defender in world football?
“During the last couple of years, it was always John Terry, who really impressed me with his performance on the pitch. His attitude in a match is amazing; he seems to be so hungry for the ball, and it is great fun to watch him. It is impressive, especially because he is not the tallest, but he still fights for every ball and often even wins in header duels against taller opponents.
“Another great defender is Nemanja Vidic, with whom I often played already in the national team.”
Who was your sporting idol growing up?
“I always looked up to Krassimir Balacov.
“I grew up close to Stuttgart, where he played back then, and after I watched a match live in the stadium once, I became a huge fan.”
This interview was originally conducted in July 2017.
Neven Subotić has served as Chairman of the Well: Fair Foundation since 2012 and is deeply committed to the human right to clean drinking water and sanitation. He focuses on sustainable projects in rural East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. For his exemplary social engagement, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2022.
Born in 1988 in Yugoslavia, Subotić fled with his family to Germany as a child to escape the war. After their residence permit expired in 1999, the family emigrated to the USA—a turning point where Neven’s football talent was discovered and nurtured. He returned to Germany in 2006 and began his professional football career.
As a successful professional footballer, Neven Subotić played for clubs including Mainz, Cologne, Union Berlin, St Etienne, and Borussia Dortmund. With Dortmund, he won two German championships, the DFB-Pokal, and reached the final of the Champions League. He also participated in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with Serbia.
Since retiring in 2022, he has actively contributed his winning mentality and international experience to supporting integration, global justice, and sustainable development. Subotic lives in Dortmund and remains among the most popular players to have worn the Black and Yellow strip.
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