Paul Schaffran named new director of the youth academy

Paul Schaffran has been appointed as the new director of Borussia Dortmund's youth academy. Schaffran has been a key figure in BVB's youth development program since 2021, holding the positions of "Head of Sports Science" and later "Head of Strategy and Development" since July 2024. In July 2025, he was promoted to head of the youth academy, replacing Lars Ricken, who moved on to become the Managing Director of Sports at Borussia Dortmund in May 2024.

Ricken praised Schaffran's leadership and his role in guiding the youth academy towards a successful future. He stated, "Paul Schaffran has established himself as a key leader at our youth academy and, in recent months, has played a leading role in setting the course for its successful future."

Schaffran himself expressed his gratitude to Ricken for the trust placed in him and expressed his excitement about the support received for the path they have embarked upon at the Youth Training Center. He emphasized his commitment to continuing the path of youth development at Borussia Dortmund, stating, "I would like to thank those in charge – and above all Lars Ricken – for the trust they have placed in me.

I am very pleased that the path we have embarked upon at the Youth Training Center has received this approval and support. At the same time, it motivates me to continue steadfastly on this path together with my team and to further advance youth development at Borussia Dortmund."