Christian football network Ballers in God has defended professional footballers’ right to publicly express their religious beliefs amid criticism surrounding its association with the ‘The King’s Return’ campaign.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, November 10, the organisation said it supported players who openly express their Christian faith while respecting people with different beliefs.
The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, whose goal celebrations linked to the campaign have drawn criticism from the German club’s supporters.
“We celebrate players who live out their faith privately, as well as those who choose to express it publicly,” Ballers in God said.
The organisation added that initiatives such as ‘The King’s Return’ encourage footballers to demonstrate their Christian beliefs through public expressions of faith.
The controversy intensified after Nmecha performed his crown-lowering celebration during Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg on November 7, scoring both goals.
According to the Associated Press, the gesture involves the midfielder removing an imaginary crown and placing it on the ground, symbolising the campaign’s Christian message.
Borussia Dortmund’s Fan and Supporters Department subsequently criticised the campaign, citing investigations by German broadcasters ARD’s MONITOR and Sportschau, which raised concerns about the network’s reported positions on homosexuality and abortion.
