Borussia Dortmund: partnership with Cerezo Osaka (Japanese D1) focused on youth development

Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) have entered into a partnership with Cerezo Osaka (Meiji Yasuda J1 League) focused on youth development, announced the club on 31/01/2026.

The partnership notably aims to:
• "Professionalise youth development structures and pathways in Japan;
• second a full-time BVB expert to Cerezo Osaka to support the development of data analysis;
• implement a series of activities between the two clubs, including exchanges related to women’s football and training methodologies;
• welcome players from Cerezo Osaka’s academy to Dortmund".

The two clubs had already faced each other in a friendly match in July 2024 as part of Borussia Dortmund’s “Asia Tour”, while Cerezo Osaka’s women’s team had held a pre-season tour in Dortmund, including a friendly match against BVB’s women’s team. "These events laid the foundations for this long-term alliance between the two clubs," Borussia Dortmund said.

Former Japan international Shinji Kagawa, who was trained in Osaka before joining BVB (2010-2012, then 2014-2019) and has been back at the Japanese club since 2023, "will play a key…