Borussia Dortmund have indicated their willingness to employ Shinji Kagawa in an official capacity once the former midfielder hangs up his boots. The 37-year-old, who currently plays for J1 League side Cerezo Osaka, was the subject of warm comments from the Bundesliga club’s marketing director Carsten Cramer during Dortmund’s pre-season tour of Japan.
Speaking ahead of a friendly fixture between Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka scheduled for Wednesday, Cramer emphasised the Japanese international’s enduring significance to the German club. He credited Kagawa with helping establish Dortmund’s popularity in Japan, noting that the current visit marks the fourth time the team have travelled to the country. The marketing director stated that the club “partly owe Shinji… for BVB’s popular status” in the region and that the trip is “very closely linked” to the player.
A future role at Signal Iduna Park
Cramer went further, suggesting that Kagawa could return to the Westfalenstadion in a non-playing capacity once he decides to stop playing. He explained that should the veteran desire to take on a role for the club after retiring, he would be “an absolutely sought-after man for us”. The comments open the door for the 37-year-old to maintain ties with the Black and Yellows long after his playing days conclude.
Kagawa enjoyed two separate spells with Dortmund earlier in his career, making 216 appearances across all competitions. During his time in Germany, he won the Bundesliga twice before continuing his career in Spain, Greece and Belgium. He returned to his homeland in 2023 to join Cerezo Osaka, where he continues to feature regularly despite his advancing years.
Pre-season preparations continue
The friendly against Cerezo Osaka forms part of Dortmund’s summer preparations. Following Wednesday’s match, the squad will face FC Tokyo before returning to Europe for the Emirates Cup. There, they will meet Arsenal and AS Roma to complete their pre-season programme ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign.
While Kagawa focuses on extending his playing career in Japan’s top flight, the prospect of a future reunion with Dortmund in an ambassadorial or developmental role appears increasingly concrete. The club’s public endorsement of his potential contribution off the pitch underscores the lasting bond between the player and the institution.