Borussia Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka Expand Women’s Football Partnership.

Roger Hampel

Image: Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund and Cerezo Osaka have announced an expansion of their partnership, this time focused on women's football. The collaboration aims to support mutual sporting development and raise the international profile of the women’s game.

A Summer Camp to Launch the Project Borussia Dortmund Cerezo Osaka

Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies, who play in Japan’s top-tier WE League, visited Dortmund from 19 to 28 July for a summer training camp. During their stay, the team played three friendlies:

• A 9–0 win against Wacker Mecklenbeck

• A 1–1 draw against Werder Bremen Women

• A 3–1 win over Borussia Dortmund Women

In addition to the matches, the players visited Dortmund's Footbonaut training facility and toured SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, gaining insights into BVB’s training and matchday infrastructure.

Joint Vision for Women’s Football

The two clubs have committed to ongoing cooperation, including training exchanges, coaching development, and joint initiatives aimed at increasing the visibility of women’s football across Europe and Asia.

“The future cooperation will focus on a joint philosophy to promote and further develop women’s football,” said Borussia Dortmund in its official announcement.“It underlines both clubs’ commitment to driving the women’s game forward internationally.”

A Pre-Existing Relationship Between the Clubs

This expanded initiative builds on an already existing relationship. In summer 2024, BVB’s men’s team played a friendly against Cerezo Osaka during their Asia Tour. That match saw the return of a familiar face: Shinji Kagawa, who originally joined Borussia Dortmund from Cerezo in 2010 and returned to the Japanese club in 2023.

The latest development marks the next chapter in this cross-continental collaboration, with both clubs signaling a long-term interest in growing the women’s side of the sport.

Broader International Ambitions

Borussia Dortmund has been vocal about expanding its global reach, particularly in Asia. Cerezo Osaka, meanwhile, seeks to leverage these partnerships to strengthen their programs and bring international experience to their athletes.

The planned exchange programs are expected to focus on both technical knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange, with a particular emphasis on youth and coaching development.