“Kobel doesn’t just save shots — he saves seasons.”
When Borussia Dortmund talk about consistency, leadership, and defensive strength, one name echoes louder than the rest: Gregor Kobel. Since arriving from Stuttgart in 2021, the Swiss shot-stopper has established himself as BVB’s undisputed No. 1 and vice-captain — a role he has embraced with both passion and maturity.
“I felt very comfortable here very quickly and realised that we fit together really well,” Kobel once explained. That sense of belonging was cemented in November 2023 when he signed a contract extension until 2028, a clear statement that Dortmund sees him as the long-term cornerstone of their defensive unit.
And the numbers back it up. In the 2023/24 season, Kobel recorded an incredible 73% save rate, while his efficiency (+9.4 expected goals prevented) was the highest of any Bundesliga goalkeeper. Simply put, with Kobel in goal, BVB conceded nine fewer goals than they statistically should have. His reflexes, command of the penalty box, and knack for producing decisive saves in big moments have turned tight games into victories — just as he did in the 4-2 win over Leverkusen that secured Champions League qualification.
But Kobel’s story is as fascinating as his stats. Born in Zurich in 1997, the son of a former professional ice hockey player, he grew up with sporting DNA running through his veins. After rising through Grasshopper Club’s academy, his journey took him to Hoffenheim’s youth system, then loan spells at Augsburg, before becoming Stuttgart’s saviour in 2020/21. His performances caught Dortmund’s eye — and the rest, as they say, is history.
Internationally, Kobel has steadily climbed the ladder with Switzerland, making his senior debut in 2021 and featuring in both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024. Though often second choice behind Yann Sommer, his performances when called upon — such as the thrilling 3-2 victory over Serbia — underline his quality on the biggest stage.
Today, standing tall at 1.96 metres, Kobel embodies what BVB strive to be: calm under pressure, fiercely competitive, and emotionally connected to the club and its fans. For him, stepping onto the pitch at Signal Iduna Park is not just a job, but a privilege: “It’s a crazy feeling to get to play in this stadium time and again. That motivates me every single day.”
