Nicknamed ‘El Viejo Willy’ (The Old Willy), Ortiz possessed exceptional skill—comparable in stature to Lionel Messi and as lethal as Cristiano Ronaldo. He made a lasting impact in Colombian soccer, though he never played for an international club or in a World Cup.

Ortiz is an outgoing and charismatic figure, full of soccer stories. Firm in his beliefs, he shared his perspectives on James Rodriguez in an exclusive interview with Bolavip, during an event created by DirecTV leading up to the World Cup.

Beyond discussing Colombia’s prospects in the tournament, Ortiz addressed James’ move to the MLS, considering it a ‘mistake’ for the Colombian star to join Minnesota United.

James made a ‘mistake’ by joining Minnesota United

Bolavip: Do you think it was a mistake for James Rodriguez to play in the United States before the World Cup, knowing the coach didn’t really want him?

Willington Ortiz: I think the mistake is when a coach doesn’t want you and you still go to that team. You’re not part of his group or the players he trusts, so he’s not going to play you because you’re not his choice. That’s the mistake.

Colombia won’t rely solely on James

Bolavip: What do you think is really going to happen in this World Cup? Do you think these friendlies are a real test, or are they just to measure strength?

Ortiz: Well, friendlies are a test and you have to measure strength, but when friendlies are played close to the final stages, when the competition is about to start, they are very risky and complicated. Why? Because a soccer player doesn’t perform the same way when there’s still a long time left as when there’s very little time left. And if you play against a strong national team, you can lose, you can win, or you can draw. That’s what happens in a soccer game.

I believe the Colombia national team has elite players—there are top-10 players competing in tournaments like the Champions League that’s being played now, and in South American competitions like the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. So, we have the players.

I think the coach has options and can build a system that works, whether we have James or not, because everyone is worried since James isn’t playing. He’s at a club where the coach doesn’t want him, didn’t bring him in, so he doesn’t play—just a few minutes. It’s not serious, disrespecting a player of his caliber.

It’s complicated, but Colombia have very good players, and I think people need to be patient because we have a good team and will put in a very strong performance at the World Cup.

Ortiz’s prediction for Colombia in the World Cup

Bolavip: Speaking of that strong performance, how far do you think Colombia will go?

Ortiz: I think they’ll be in the top eight. I believe they’ll make the quarterfinals. This team has what it takes, has very good players, and I think it can reach the top eight.

Bolavip: Which player do you think needs to be in top condition to lead the team into those top eight? Or do you think it’s more of a collective effort?

Ortiz: It has to be collective. A soccer team is collective—it has to be. You can’t rely on just one player. Because if a striker is doing well and scoring, but the defense is poor and concedes two goals, you lose and it’s useless. So everyone has to perform well, and all the players we have are elite. I think we have a very good team.

Colombia’s best player and World Cup nostalgia

Bolavip: Speaking about the current form of these Colombian players, and considering you’ve been described as one of, if not the best, in Colombia, who do you think is the nation’s best player right now?

Ortiz: Right now, it’s Luis Diaz. He’s the one performing best. Hopefully he stays healthy, arrives at the World Cup in good shape, and helps us have a strong performance.

Bolavip: Considering what you said about not having had the chance to play in a World Cup, when you watch past World Cups and Colombia’s performances, do you feel anything in particular?

Ortiz: Of course, there’s a sense of sadness because you do everything possible to get there, and sometimes you just can’t. Time passes, and you didn’t get the chance, so it brings a feeling of nostalgia.

World Cup predictions and Messi-Ronaldo’s farewell

Bolavip: Let’s talk about favorites to win the World Cup. Which teams do you think are the strongest candidates?

Ortiz: There are about three teams I see as favorites: Spain, France, and Germany. Those three.

Bolavip: And finally, talking about two major players who are nearing the end of their international careers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—do you think Argentina, with Messi, or Portugal, have a chance to go far in this World Cup?

Ortiz: Historically, teams don’t repeat as champions every four years—at least I don’t think they have. Argentina play very well, and Messi is excellent, but I don’t think they’ll repeat as champions. I think it will be someone else. As for Portugal with Cristiano, they have a very good team. They could get close, because they still have that ambition—they haven’t won it yet. Argentina already have, twice.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH WILLINGTON ORTIZ ON BOLAVIP US:

Selected 32nd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2009 NFL Draft, Hood’s life as a pro got off to an eventful start. After making a name for himself as a defensive tackle at Missouri — making the First-team All-Big 12 in 2008 — the Amarillo, Texas native immediately had to switch to defensive end in Mike Tomlin‘s system.

Joining the Steelers paid off though, as Hood enjoyed a trip to Super Bowl XLV in his second year as a pro. Aaron Rodgers‘ Green Bay Packers ended up standing in Pittsburgh’s way, a result that still hurts but doesn’t make Hood lose sight of the bigger picture.

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, Ziggy reflects on his NFL journey, which began with a fruitful five-year stint in the Steel City (2009-2013), followed by stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-15) and Chicago Bears (2015). His career also included a tenure in Washington (2016-18), where he overlapped with Kirk Cousins, before finishing with the Miami Dolphins (2018) and the New Orleans Saints (2019).

Ziggy Hood on being drafted by Tomlin, Steelers

Bolavip: You once said that you were surprised by being picked in the first round. How did you take that decision? Did it give you confidence or did it put more pressure on you?

Ziggy Hood: You know what, coming from a small town here in Amarillo, Texas, not too many guys have, you know, transcended in the next level from college, it has only been a select few. And having that opportunity to even make it to the league was a blessing itself.

With the draft, it was up and down with different picks that they were telling me, so when the teams pass you up, you think you’re going to drop. (It was) just a surprise you know, the Steelers with the 32nd pick chose me. I felt like I wasn’t worthy but hey, thank God I got the blessing and it was a history wrap from there.

Bolavip: What was it like to play under Mike Tomlin?

Hood: He was a great coach, great organization. I have nothing bad to say about anybody, really, any organization because they gave me the opportunity to play. And so, I could never bring myself to badmouth anybody because, like I said, with with the opportunity to play, it’s my choice and my decision to do whatever I need to do to prolong my career.

So, you know, thank God for the blessings and everything that they gave me. They got me to play the game I love, that I played all the way from little league, middle school, high school, college, and then my dream to play professional.

Bolavip: You had to switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. What was it like? How did you feel about that?

Hood: Really, you had to rewire yourself on how you need to do certain things. Luckily, I had a group of older vets to teach me and to learn from them. I think that was the best thing to do.

And these guys were, you know, 35, 36 years old. They were on the verge of retiring, even though they could have played three or four more years. I had the blessing, I had the opportunity to learn from these older guys and to see how it’s done when it’s done correctly.

The culture set by Big Ben and Tomlin in Pittsburgh

Bolavip: And even though he wasn’t a player in your position, you had a leader like Ben Roethlisberger. What was it like to have him as the quarterback and leader of the franchise?

Hood: Well, he already knew how to win because they had just recently won a Super Bowl the year before me against the Cardinals. They won again, I think several years beforehand. So, they already had the recipe of winning.

So I came into a great organization. And I came into a great culture that understood winning and what it takes to win. It started with practice and making sure you do everything as perfect as you can. Even when you fall short, you’re still good enough.

Bolavip: Were you surprised to see Tomlin leave Pittsburgh after all these years?

Hood: No, I wasn’t. The man has been over there what, over 20 years or something like that? And then to have a run and to have another, you know, not a losing season. That’s a blessing opportunity. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest coaches in the NFL for being with that organization.

And I’m pretty sure he likes the time off right now. He gets to spend time with his family, do the things he normally couldn’t around this time because they either be preparing for the draft, getting ready for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and training camp. So, I’m pretty sure he’s going to take a year off and then he’s going to start getting the itch to coach back again.

Losing Super Bowl XLV to Aaron Rodgers’ Packers

Bolavip: What do you remember about that season where you played Super Bowl XLV?

Hood: You know what? Everybody was on point, everybody was clicking and it seems like every time things were go were about to go bad, it took a turn for the good to have an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but not too many guys can say they did that. And you know, if (there’s) one thing I could redo, it’s that particular game, because it’d be a different type of world to have a ring and in a different kind of class to have that opportunity to play and win again.

Bolavip: It was a very close game and against a very good team, against Aaron Rodgers. What was it like to face this type of quarterback in that game?

Hood: The guy was athletic and he was smart, we caught him at the young age of Aaron Rodgers. If we would have caught him at the very crafty, little bit older vet, it definitely would have been a harder game to play.

But just to go against somebody of his caliber, and then he was able to play for them towards the end of his career, that shows that guys like him can make these jumps and bring a team to win at any opportunity he plays at.

The toughest quarterbacks to play against

Bolavip: And who was for you the toughest quarterback to play against in the NFL?

Hood: I got to give it to Tom Brady. The man delivered the ball so fast, trying to get back there to him was difficult. Because he knew he where he wanted to go with the ball and how to get there. So when the ball was delivered in less than a second, that’s what it was.

When you have opportunity to sack him, you better take advantage, because it’s those type of opportunities don’t come, you know, a dime a dozen. You have to be be ready and be able to try to capitalize whenever you have it.

Bolavip: And do you remember a tough quarterback in college?

Hood: Either Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy, because they had one of the best two offensive linemen in front of them. And so those guys played a long career as well. Not only that, they came from a winning program as well.

I had an opportunity to play against those teams, originally in the Big 12 before they moved to a different conference. So, like I said, that was a great time at Missouri.

The importance of defensive players in football

Bolavip: Going back to your position, do you think that defensive players and especially defensive tackles or defensive ends are underrated? Either by fans or media, or even coaches.

Hood: There’s a bunch of guys that are underrated. I follow a lot of guys on Instagram or I look at a lot of different guys on clips of pass rushing and I’m sitting there like, ‘Man, these guys are moving.’ I wish I had that type of wiggle back then. It’d be a different ball game.

But what I’m seeing now, how fast the game moves, these guys are very special to watch. I love watching the football games. I like watching my position because I’m seeing how they’re moving and what they see out there. I’m like, ‘Man, that’s pretty neat that he was able to do that.‘

Bolavip: Which players do you like to see or do you believe are the best today in your position?

Hood: I know (Jeffery) Simmons from Tennessee. I didn’t realize how big and built he is until you actually look at him. I wish Aaron Donald would have stayed several more years because that guy was wreaking havoc every time.

(Danielle) Hunter with Houston because he’s unorthodox and I love how he gets off on the ball and does these weird combinations, with moves and stuff. It’s just like, man, it gets me excited to see somebody like that. I love seeing other guys shine and get the opportunity to extend their careers.

Spending time with Kirk Cousins and other teams after Pittsburgh stint

Bolavip: There are still many players of your era, maybe in other positions, who continue to play. You overlapped with Kirk Cousins in Washington. He’s now joining the Raiders. How do you see him this year, and what do you remember of him as a teammate?

Hood: He’s a great man to follow. I never had a bad note from him. He was a great leader when I played at Washington. So I’m pretty sure he’s going to do great things in Vegas. He gives it everything he’s got.

Not only that, he’s a great family-based type of man. That’s the guy who I love to follow. He’s the family-based type of man, because he’s playing more for than just for money. He’s playing for his kids. He’s playing for his wife. So that’s a great opportunity to stand behind him.

Bolavip: What difference did you see between the Steelers and the teams that you went on to play for afterwards?

Hood: It’s the front office. A lot of different organizations are ran a lot different. Like I said, I could never be on the phone and badmouth any organization because I’m saying they gave me an opportunity. But different levels come where the top has blueprint. ‘This is how we win.’ And it stems down all the way down to the players. Even the custodian staff knows what time it is.

“The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run.”

It all starts up in the front office. How they draft, how they organize the schedule, what type of personnel or people that they bring in, who do they surround the players with, and for them to put the players in a great position to be successful.

The Steelers was a top-notch organization because they knew how to run. I had a great time at Washington regardless, I got close to a lot of guys, I got close to a lot of the men on the coaching staff and in the training room as well. So, I had a great time. Either place I went to.

The advice for young players

Bolavip: As a former first-rounder, what advice would you give to any prospect who’s entering this year’s draft class?

Hood: Doesn’t matter what opportunity, what round, what pick you go, utilize it and capitalize. And so the biggest thing I try to stress the players is let your ability take over. Don’t put yourself in a cookie cutter, routine, to where it got you playing like a robot. Go out there, enjoy the moment because when it’s done, it’s done. And there’s going to be days where you reminisce.

And so when you’re a lot older like me being at age 39, I go around telling the high school kids who I coach and I have the opportunity to share some of my experiences: I had opportunities to play with future Hall of Famers, Hall of Famers, and guys that bring business every single day. And this is the blueprint, how you got to get there in order to achieve that. But the minute you stop being you, that’s when everything will change and go downhill.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ZIGGY HOOD ON BOLAVIP US:

In an exclusive interview with Bolavip, the former Argentine kicker spoke about the current state of the Bucs, delving into what lies ahead for the NFL, and also the valuation of his position, a legacy that his children intend to continue.

In addition, he made it clear who he thinks the GOAT in football is. Gramatica, charismatic and with great analytical ability, emphasized that the league has everything it takes to conquer the entire world and did not miss the opportunity to outline which teams could reach the 2027 Super Bowl.

Bucs’ missed opportunity in 2025 NFL season

Bolavip: You’re someone very closely linked to Tampa, to the Buccaneers. You’re a historic figure for the franchise. Let me ask you: how did you see last season’s ending? It was a very tight division, it almost slipped away. Do you think there was a specific reason why they couldn’t push a bit further?

Martin Gramatica: It was disappointing, honestly, because we were one win away from making the playoffs with five or six games left. If we had won one of those, we would’ve made it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t. We did beat Carolina in the last game, thinking we were in. Atlanta didn’t help us because it beat the Saints, and Carolina ended up going to the playoffs.

We started really well too, I think we were 5–1, there was talk of Baker Mayfield as MVP, everything was perfect, and then the team slowly fell apart. We also had a lot of key injuries—every team has injuries, but when you lose your top two receivers, first Mike Evans, then Chris Godwin. (Emeka) Egbuka started well but then the longer season hit him a bit, the NFL season wore on him a little in the second half of the season.

So I don’t know if I can point to one single factor, there were many factors that didn’t help us. And obviously, being that close and not winning one game out of six, that really hurt.

Bolavip: Recently, Lavonte David spoke about all the injuries Mayfield had to go through last season, and that maybe if he had been healthier, the outcome would have been different. Do you agree with him?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, for sure, because Baker started out, as I said, on his way to MVP. And then his performance dropped a bit, but he took a lot of hits. He got hit a lot. And I think little by little, it started to wear on him, and then he had an injury to his left arm. And even though you don’t throw with your left arm, you use it for balance.

He also had, I think, a hit to his knee as well and his ankle. So, those are all things that one might think ‘Oh, he just throws with his arm.’ But he uses his whole body to throw, and besides his best weapon is when everything breaks down, and he takes off running and gets those first downs.

During that stretch when he was half injured, half banged up, he wasn’t running as much because he knew he couldn’t take a hit. I’m not saying it was fear of getting hit, because this guy lowers his helmet and runs into a wall if he has to, to get a first down.

The thing is, he was protecting himself because one bad hit would have taken him out of the game. He even missed half a game, I think it was Detroit, I don’t remember which one it was, where he left at halftime due to injury. So yeah, that didn’t help him at all. And then also having his superstars get injured. Because the timing with the other receivers also didn’t help him.

Bucs’ future without Mike Evans and 2026 NFL Draft expectations

Bolavip: And now Evans’ absence will be felt—a guy who made history and broke records…

Martin Gramatica: I think it’s going to be felt, especially on the emotional side, because of his leadership and also because he’s an amazing player on the field, obviously, and that safety valve when there was a problem Mayfield would say ‘Ok, I’ll just throw it to Mike Evans and he’ll catch it.’ Especially in the red zone.

And the pressure that Chris Godwin and Egbuka will feel now. Because they’ll be the leaders of that receiver group and they’ll need to have a really great season. Especially Chris Godwin, who’s a veteran, who’s had many injuries, who had a spectacular year when he signed his contract and then injury after injury he hasn’t been able to stay consistent.

So I think this year is key for him. Not only stat-wise in terms of statistics, but also in staying healthy and playing every game. Because that’s also key. He hasn’t been able to finish a season healthy in the last few years.

Bolavip: Now the closest event is the NFL Draft, which keeps everyone on edge. Do you have any idea about what the Bucs might do? What do you think they need?

Martin Gramatica: Last year showed us that they can do anything. They pick who they believe is the best player available at that moment. Last year there was a lot of talk that we needed defensive players. That we needed an edge rusher, someone who could put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they went with (Emeka) Egbuka, a receiver, who honestly did well, right? And besides, I think they were already looking ahead. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin getting older, they needed a young guy.

But I think this year is very similar, I think they need a defensive player who comes in with intensity and character. It could be a linebacker because Lavonte David just retired. An edge rusher too—we haven’t had outside pass rush, right? Vita Vea is a wall in the middle, but on the edges we haven’t had someone who can really put pressure on quarterbacks.

But with the Bucs you never know—Jason Licht often surprises. And it’s worked pretty well for him, right? Look at Bucky Irving, an amazing player who was picked in the third round. We focus on the first round, but it’s usually the second, third, or fourth round guys who sometimes surprise everyone, because nobody expected anything, and then they’re starters.

NFL continues to expand

Bolavip: Another big topic is the NFL’s expansion into different countries and cities around the world: Australia, Rio… Do you think the league can really establish itself in other cultures?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, it already has. From a financial standpoint, it’s good for the NFL, good for those cities. The fans in Europe, I went to the game when the Bucs played in London, and the stadium is always packed. What you do see is jerseys of all colors, because they’re fans of all different teams, and there’s a little group of Bucs fans at that time with Carolina.

But the fanbase, yes, there are a lot and I see it also in South America, right? Also Argentina itself has a league, an equipped Flag Football League that competes. So what has made the sport so much more visible and made people start liking it more is social media. It gives access to the sport, because before we had no way to watch it.

When I came at age 9 I didn’t know football existed in the US. Back home we played soccer, a little tennis and that was it. I knew about rugby, right? And a little bit basketball. Now people do know they exist and there are even kids who like it. There are fans in Argentina who prefer football over soccer. That seems crazy to me, but they grew up watching it and liking it.

In Europe they follow it a lot too. Well, when we played a preseason game in Japan, I think it was in 2004 after the Super Bowl, it was a preseason game and it was insane. People would come to practice sessions, the stadium was packed. They knew everything, they even had little cards with photos. For them it was like their Super Bowl, because the games only came once a year. So I think that’s why the NFL knows that it has a strong presence worldwide and that’s why they’re expanding to other countries.

There won’t be another Tom Brady

Bolavip: And regarding your career—you won a Super Bowl, spent time with New England, Indianapolis, New Orleans… and therefore worked with Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning. What was it like?

Martin Gramatica: Well, I’ll always have a soft spot for Brad Johnson because we won the Super Bowl together. The truth is they are players who were stars, they still are stars. Not just in the NFL, even after retiring they’re still superstars because they’re Hall of Famers. And they’re all different, right? Different kind of leaders too.

The truth is Peyton Manning, I remember during practices, the same with Tom Brady, they both wanted to be perfect in practice. With Drew Brees I didn’t connect as much. He was somewhat distant from teammates. I don’t know, Brees’ personality was different, I never got to really know him.

But Brady and Manning, it was impressive what they demanded from their teammates and what they demanded from themselves. And that’s why you see where their teams ended up, right?

Peyton Manning was unlucky to play in the same era as Tom Brady. If not, he would have won three or four Super Bowls. It’s like Cristiano Ronaldo. He is an amazing player but he happened to play in Lionel Messi’s era. So nobody talks about Ronaldo, everyone talks about Messi, because he is so much better. So well, that’s what happened to Manning with Brady. But they’re both superstars.

Bolavip: Let’s say over the last 10 years, do you see in that position someone who reached or can reach Brady’s level?

Martin Gramatica: Brady’s level of winning 7 Super Bowls, I don’t think anyone gets there. Because at one point, I thought Patrick Mahomes could, if Kansas City had beaten Tampa, he would have gotten a bit closer.

But now seven against three Super Bowls, I don’t see Patrick Mahomes catching Brady, not a chance. And no, I don’t think there is, and the way the league is, there’s no player you can point to and say he’s going to be the Tom Brady of the future, who’s going to win four or five Super Bowls or play 20 years either, right?

I don’t think there’s a name like that, no. I really couldn’t tell you because what Tom Brady did is something special, not only for what he did by winning the Super Bowls. Reaching 10 Super Bowls and winning seven, that was impressive. What a career. That is very hard to match, very hard to match.

The value of kickers in the NFL

Bolavip: And in your position, which often defines games, do you think kickers are undervalued?

Martin Gramatica: Before, yes. Now they’re more valued. Today they kick 65 or 70-yard field goals. Contracts are also better. But it always depends on the team. They know that, you can have the best kicker in the league, but if you don’t have the best quarterback you’re not going to win. As a kicker you get it and you know that.

The kicker has the best job Monday to Saturday and the hardest on Sunday: few chances, all or nothing. It’s similar to a goalkeeper in soccer—you can save everything but people remember the one mistake. The pressure is different from any other position because you have very few chances.

Bolavip: Your longest kick was 55 yards. Could a kicker from your era play in today’s NFL?

Martin Gramatica: Yes, the position hasn’t changed much. The setup is the same: distance, angle, snap. Training changed, but the role is similar.

Bolavip: Thinking about the future, your sons Nico Gramatica and Gaston Gramatica…

Martin Gramatica: Well, the only thing what I always say is that we are extremely proud of how they work and how focused they are, of their dedication and the sacrifice they’re making to get there.

You never know if they’ll make it or not because it’s also very hard to make it, you need luck. You need to find a team that let’s you kick, so there are many variables, which is why some very talented kids don’t make it, while others maybe less talented do make it because they have better luck.

The only thing I always say about the kids is that they work themselves to the bone, they are super focused, super dedicated to making it. What I always tell them, whether they make it or not, they shouldn’t regret not having done enough to get there. And if they give everything, and it doesn’t work out, at least they gave it everything, so they can’t blame themselves.

But in that regard, we are incredibly proud. Because Nico, well, being the example as the older brother. And then Gaston too, because it’s not easy to get a scholarship here. It’s very hard, and especially coming out of High School. Because now with the portal, they pick players with College experience.

Nico had the chance to go to USF, and two years later, Gaston goes as well. He was also offered a scholarship by Texas. In football, Texas is very strong, North Carolina also offered him a scholarship out of High School. So you can see that they’ve noticed the effort and his work too.

A hypothetic Super Bowl LXI matchup

Bolavip: And finally, who would you like to see in the next Super Bowl?

Martin Gramatica: You’re putting me in a tough spot, I haven’t even thought about next year! But well, obviously from the NFC, I want the Bucs to be there. I liked what Vrabel did with New England, how he changed the face of the team.

But I would like to see Buffalo make it because I love Josh Allen. And then well, I’m a big fan of (John) Harbaugh, who now went to New York, I don’t want them to make it because it’s on our side of the Conference, but he was the first one to interview me on the NFL, when he was in Philadelphia.

I was just doing some cleaning and I still have his card from when he was in Philadelphia. He was Special Teams Coach back then. That’s why I’ve always liked him, he was a great guy. And gave me a lot of advice knowing that he didn’t need a kicker. He said ‘I want to interview you so that you can get those nerves out, because I don’t need a kicker right now, but i want to help you.’

So a guy that I truly always appreciated that, what he did for me. But yes, so I’d like to see Buffalo make it from the AFC, and obviously Tampa from the NFC side, right?

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN GRAMATICA ON BOLAVIP US:

36 years separated the title Ruggeri celebrated in Mexico from the trophy Messi lifted at Qatar 2022, which gave Argentina their third World Cup star. Now, Messi and company will be looking to go back to back — something Ruggeri almost did in 1990, when Argentina lost to Germany in a controversial final.

The legendary defender, who had 97 international caps, went on to win two Copa America titles (1991, 1993) and a FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992 before retiring from international soccer.

His club career included stints with iconic Argentine teams such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, and San Lorenzo; and most notably, a Real Madrid tenure from 1989-90. Ruggeri also took his talents to Liga MX, playing for Club America from 1992-1993.

Decades later, following an eight-year managerial career and firmly established as a TV analyst and commentator in Argentina, Ruggeri sits down with Bolavip to discuss a wide number of topics.

Ruggeri’s World Cup experience and expectations for 2026

Bolavip: What do World Cup years mean to you? Especially since the 1986 title.

Oscar Ruggeri: Well, special. Special. I walked in here and you guys were around. You didn’t notice, but I didn’t even look at you. I looked at this right here (the World Cup). It’s something… You say “Look at the Cup,” the most beautiful one of all.

When a World Cup starts, with so many teams competing, and (Carlos) Bilardo telling us “look, if we’re not there until the last day it’s a failure,” meaning we had to play the final, and in the final you walk out onto the pitch and the Cup is right there inside, and we couldn’t look at it. We couldn’t touch it, we couldn’t do anything until the match was over.

But World Cup years give me adrenaline, joy… You know, like we start all over again, like we’re just kids. When we head over there, now that we’re going to travel in June, right? When I’m traveling, it’s like I imagine I’m going to play it again. It’s incredible. This is incredible, what these guys are going through right now as well, and with the chance of being serious candidates to repeat, in my opinion.

BV: You recently mentioned that many teams participate. This year, in fact, the World Cup expands to 48 teams. How many changes have you seen in the World Cup from the one you won onwards? Especially in recent years.

Ruggeri: Well, lots of changes in soccer terms, right? For example, we didn’t have VAR, there was nothing. They’d raise the flag, the linesman raised it and it was offside. And if they called you offside, the play was over. That changed a lot. … It also became a huge business, right?

But look, we go around and around and around in terms of number of teams, but it’s always the same ones in the finals, it’s always the same — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes. That’s the reality.

BV: And what does it take to win a World Cup? Many teams participate, only a few manage to win it.

Ruggeri: You need to have a different kind of player, a genius, like the one we have (with Lionel Messi), like the one we had (with Diego Maradona). But that it’s not enough, right? Let me explain. Why isn’t it enough? It’s not enough, because if you don’t have a great team behind those geniuses, who in those tight matches do something different and break the deadlock and you keep going… It just doesn’t work.

“It’s always the same teams in the World Cup finals — Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil — it never changes.”

Because look — Maradona played in four World Cups I think, Messi five (2026 would be his sixth). And we won only two World Cups combined with these two geniuses. So that means the team has a huge responsibility. The team has a great setup, so that these geniuses can function freely.

Argentina’s chances of repeating World Cup title

BV: How do you see the Argentine national team this year? You were just saying you believe they can repeat?

Ruggeri: Yes, yes, I think so. I see them doing well. Do you know what I like? That it’s not just the exact same players from four years ago. There have been replacements and those replacements have played really well.

Honestly, they did it really well in the matches, like Thiago (Almada), like several players, right? And it makes me happy because it means there’s a new generation. Cholo’s son (Giuliano Simeone), who’s doing really well. I still believe that (Angel) Di Maria, in my opinion, they’ll convince him and he’ll end up going to the World Cup.

BV: This year Lionel Messi has the chance to go for back-to-back World Cups. You and Diego came very close to achieving it in 1990. What was it like? How do you experience…

Ruggeri: Well, no, we didn’t “come close,” no… they scammed us. Because it wasn’t a penalty, imagine with the VAR. But you see how quickly I say if we’d had VAR, that German penalty wouldn’t have been given and I don’t know how it would have ended. And if we’d had (Claudio) Cannigia, with everyone fit, I think it would have been a different game.

But then they tell me “What about Diego’s handball?”, right? But what about the goal he scored after that, dribbling past everyone? That’s just how it is.

BV: And from your experience, how do you prepare for a World Cup like that? A World Cup where you go looking to repeat the title, not win it for the first time. It will happen to Messi now.

Ruggeri: Well, it’s like that weight was lifted from them, so now they know what it’s like. And they already know what the final stages are like, everything that’s at stake. In every match you have to get up well because you have to be on point so as not to give any advantage away, because you’re going to face the best, and the best don’t forgive you.

Ruggeri’s 2026 World Cup favorites besides Argentina

BV: Who are the best for you? Who are the other contenders?

Ruggeri: For me, Spain, France, and England — I see very good players in them, I’m not sure about them as a unit — but I’ll still put them in. The Germans. We get frustrated, but somehow, they might not show much early on, and then you see them among the top four. And I think Brazil will improve.

BV: And what do you think about the Finalissima that was canceled against Spain? Do yo think it would have been a good test for Argentina?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. It would have been a good test because they were two of the contenders that the world was going to watch to see what would happen. That Spain team with a midfield that holds the ball a lot and so do we. It would have been beautiful, it would have been great.

“The difference between South American and European soccer? Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do…”

BV: And one of the things that’s always put to the test at World Cups is South American soccer versus European soccer. How do you see that difference?

Ruggeri: Yes, it’s very simple. Look, take out all the South American players from European soccer and see what the teams do, and bring all the South Americans back. All the Argentines playing over there, bring them to our championship and see if people don’t start watching this league.

And that’s the reality of South American soccer, because Brazilians, Uruguayans, Paraguayans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Bolivians — there’s everything. I think that makes it even richer.

“I think Brazil will improve. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history”

BV: You recently mentioned Brazil. Do you think they can pull off an upset at the World Cup, despite their situation in the qualifiers?

Ruggeri: I don’t know what you’d call upset, to improve?

BV: To improve.

Ruggeri: I think they’ll improve, yes. Then I’m not sure if they will pull off the big upset. But it’s Brazil. When we go there, and Brazil play, you look with respect for the history. History marks what I said at the beginning. You know, those national teams with a lot of history, they throw all of that to you on the pitch.

Messi at 2026 World Cup

BV: Talking about Lionel Messi, we talked about him before for a bit, how do you see him heading into this World Cup?

Ruggeri: Great, great. This might be his last World Cup. He’ll prepare in the best possible way, I have no doubt about that. And he’ll try to do what he did in the last World Cup, to be the the captain, the leader, to carry the group forward, right? It’s another chance he has to lift the Cup.

They’ve already lived it, and being fortunate that, when the World Cups end, they can go in with the family, they can take photos. I saw them at the last World Cup taking photos with their kids, with the Cup right there inside. We couldn’t see each other because we got swarmed and we couldn’t take a photo.

“Messi moving to the US? Possibly that was also a family decision”

BV: In that sense, do you think it’s something that has improved at World Cups?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely. Yes, they’ve improved it a lot. I think that’s a sign of respect for those who’ve become world champions, for their families who’ve suffered so much, who’ve had such a hard time. That, honestly, you have to congratulate everyone, FIFA, everyone.

BV: Getting back to Messi, after he won the Qatar World Cup, he decided to play in the United States. What do you think of him spending the last years of his career in that league?

Ruggeri: More than playing in the US, possibly that was also a family decision, right? To step back a little from what Barcelona was, because it makes sense that he can’t go out, he can’t go out that much in the US either because they already know him, everyone knows him…

BV: And in France he didn’t have a great time.

Ruggeri: In France he didn’t have a great time, but, in the United States I see him walking around the supermarket. You can see he walks around more freely, they don’t mob him, you know? I think that’s possibly what he’s looking for.

Comparisons between Messi and Maradona, Ronaldo, Yamal

BV: What do you think about the comparisons that have always been made with Maradona?

Ruggeri: I don’t think we should make them, because they’re both Argentine, because they’re both geniuses. Comparing geniuses is hard, right? Now, if you ask me personally, I played 11 years with Maradona. I can’t be objective. Ask the guys who played with Messi and they’ll say Messi. But that’s normal and understandable.

Now, we, the people, in the streets, people on television, on the shows, we shouldn’t, we shouldn’t pit them against each other, we shouldn’t compare them, because here we, unfortunately, are living in this world of divisions.

“If another genius comes along after Messi and Maradona, then it means God lives here with us.”

So we put it as “no, Maradona, is like this, and Messi like this” and we immediately take sides, why? If they’re both Argentine, both captains of the Argentine national team who became world champions, let’s make the most of both of them, right?

I mean, look, when Diego was leaving, in those last championships we played, the US World Cup, I thought, “oof, now we need another one like him” and another one came along. If then another comes, it means God lives here with us and is giving us a huge hand.

“Ronaldo is a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.”

BV: And Messi not only suffered, so to speak, the comparisons with Maradona on a historical level, but also current comparisons like with Cristiano Ronaldo. What do you think about it?

Ruggeri: Nothing. It wouldn’t even cross my mind to discuss the subject, because there’s a huge difference between the genius we have and the other one, who is a great player. Messi is a genius and Ronaldo is a star. He’s truly a star, a very good player, but he’s not a genius like Messi.

BV: And how do you see Lamine Yamal, who’s also starting to draw comparisons? Especially in Spain.

Ruggeri: Yes, well, he’s a kid who’s just starting out, he’s just beginning. He’s playing well, he needs to come down to earth a bit. He needs to take it a little easy because, I heard him, some statements, saying he was going to be better than Messi. That he was going to win more Ballons d’Or. Why? Do it, once you’ve achieved it, then we’ll say what we see. Right now, he’s not even close to him.

Active Argentine stars

BV: In your position, the Argentine national team today has a key player like Cristian Romero. You played at Real Madrid, do you image him potentially joining that kind of club?

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. If I were Florentino Pérez — I’d go after him, no doubt about it. He’s a fantastic player, a serious player for the position, who formed a great partnership with (Nicolas) Otamendi. Incredible, right? Because you know, we always talk about the attacking side, the ones who decide things, who create plays, who score the goals, everything. But we don’t talk about the defense, right? We talk, but not that much.

But we also had a defense and a goalkeeper… The goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) was incredible. Against France, that save with his foot… I was up there, we were done. If it was (Kylian) Mbappe, we were done, but that’s what it means to have a keeper like that. We have two or three great center-backs and we’re in good shape. I think we are doing pretty well, pretty good.

That’s why I dare say we are contenders again, because this team never stopped playing well, right? People asked me about us, we didn’t play like this team after the World Cup. We didn’t play so well like this team, the way these guys play, they play in a certain way, how they manage the ball. Honestly, it’s a pleasure watching them.

BV: Do you think the performances at clubs is completely separate from how they perform for the national team?

Ruggeri: Yes, absolutely, don’t even doubt it. Remember when it was hard for Argentina to win, to become champions, they were incredible at their clubs and everyone would say “no, but they shine at the club they come to the national team and we don’t win.” I don’t know if you remember.

“We didn’t play like this Argentina team after the World Cup. We didn’t play this well”

At the beginning they said “Messi shines at Barcelona, scores goals left and right. He wins titles, he wins everything, but when he comes to Argentina and nothing”, he even quit the national team. Even Di Maria cried and Di Maria never dropped his guard.

But that’s in the past now. When they get together with the national team, you see freshness, you can see they’re happy, that they’re thrilled to get back together. That’s what I see from the outside. No, I’m not there. I don’t see them personally, but that’s the image they give.

BV: The World Cup could rocket many players’ careers to new heights. It already happened with Enzo Fernandez at the Qatar World Cup…

Ruggeri: Enzo is amazing.

BV: … making the move from Benfica to Chelsea, and now there’s a lot of talk about his future at Chelsea, that he could take yet another step.

Ruggeri: Yes, for sure. How that kid has grown, so calmly, so mature. Captain in England! It’s not easy to wear the captain’s armband, these players we have… That guy is a man, you know? He plays in a simple, clean way.

We have a midfield, we don’t talk about the midfield enough, we have a great midfield too, right? They manage the ball brilliantly, no rush. They play with calm. If it’s not on, they go back. Start again. We are well balanced.

“Julian Alvarez has no ceiling.”

BV: Another player also involved in transfer rumors because of his great level is Julian Alvarez, who is at Atletico Madrid with Simeone…

Ruggeri: I love Julian.

BV: There’s talk that Barcelona want him, or that he could go back to the Premier League, where he already played with Manchester City. What do you think? Should he stay with Simeone?

Ruggeri: I’d like him to stay with “Cholo” (Simeone), because “Cholo” knows him, he knows what the kid is like, the kid has no ceiling and can play anywhere. That’s for sure.

Those are the kind of strikers that as a defender I’d dread facing because you can’t pin him down. He shows up on the right, on the left. You can’t track him like those classic number nines, like (Erling) Haaland who plant themselves there. He’s a goal scorer, but Julian comes from deep. He strikes the ball very well. Did you see his goals?

BV: Yes, he also takes free kicks.

Ruggeri: He takes free kicks. Though I think if there’s a free kick, I don’t think he’ll be getting near the ball with the captain (Messi) around. I think he’ll tell him “go out of there for the rebound,” but it’s another option we have, of course.

BV: Argentina also have Lautaro Martinez, it’s like they have the luck of having top strikers.

Ruggeri: And the strikers who’ve come through now! I honestly didn’t know them. This coaching staff handles even those things very well. Nobody slips past them. When there’s someone who is doing things right, they go watch him and bring him in.

Lionel Scaloni’s job with Argentina

BV: Do you think that has been Lionel Scaloni‘s greatest strength in his process, identifying players? Because he rebuilt the squad after Russia 2018.

Ruggeri: Yes, yes. Because Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him and he did everything right. He has a coaching staff that knows soccer. They all played for the national team. With a very low profile.

Because look, if I ask you, tell me what (Roberto) Ayala’s voice sounds like, you don’t know. Same for (Walter) Samuel, you don’t know how he talks, he says nothing, (Pablo) Aimar even less. I mean, look at the three I’m naming. Three elite national team players with a very low profile, they’re doing a very good job.

“Scaloni came from nowhere when nobody believed in him”

BV: Yes, there’s a joint effort with Diego Placente (Argentina U20 manager) and the youth teams.

Ruggeri: Everyone, everyone, of course, Placente watches them, he must tell them “Look, there’s a kid like this, who moves this way.” They must work in a similar way. It’s very good, everything is very well put together. We’re in good shape.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH OSCAR RUGGERI ON BOLAVIP US:

“I am very thankful to have this kind of job as a brand ambassador for Borussia Dortmund,” Weidenfeller tells Bolavip. “I played 16 years for Borussia Dortmund, and I am now on the marketing side and see the world through different eyes. I have the chance to travel all over the world. I can support and work for our brand, Borussia Dortmund, and feel how powerful and great Black and Yellow is all over the world.“

Now as a club ambassador, Weidenfeller remains a symbol of the Black and Yellow as Dortmund increase their footprint in the United States. The club’s presence at the Times Square Cup in New York City for the fourth straight year was just a reflection of its growing popularity in the country, which has impressed Weidenfeller.

“I am very proud. We’ve had a lot of success and support from the United States. Not only from the United States, but from all over the world. We have a big community in Mexico. There are crazy, Black and Yellow fans. And also the fans and support here in the United States…they have been growing in the last few years. And we felt it during the last Club World Cup when we saw the stadiums where we were playing,” Weidenfeller says.

Winner of back-to-back Bundesliga titles (2010/11, 2011/12) and two German Cups (2012, 2017) during his 16-year stint at the club, Weidenfeller will always feel the love from Dortmund fans wherever he goes.

Witnessing Christian Pulisic’s rise

In the U.S., many of those fans were inevitably thrilled to see one of their own donning the Black and Yellow when Christian Pulisic played for the first team from 2016 to 2019. Weidenfeller watched Pulisic make his way up from the academy, and has nothing but great memories about those years.

“Look, I first met him when he was a kid and joined Borussia Dortmund. It was the first time he came to a professional team to train and I saw how talented he was. He was very fast, he had perfect technique. He had a great nose for the situation to create a shot. He’s a great player,” Weidenfeller remembers about Pulisic, who went on to play for Chelsea before joining his current team, AC Milan.

“So I feel, right now, he is big and he can organize himself in the future. Just recently, he won the Champions League, which I didn’t win (laughs). So I have a lot of respect for Christian. He is one of the best American soccer players. Now, he has joined AC Milan. He has had a great career, and I hope that in the future, he will be healthy enough and can stay in sports for a long time.“

The 2014 World Cup victory

Even though he joked about not winning a Champions League like Pulisic did, Weidenfeller can take pride in boasting the most coveted accolade for a soccer player: a World Cup medal.

In 2014, he was a member of the German national team that made it all the way to the promised land in Brazil, making indelible history in a country that lives and breathes soccer. Needless to say, that achievement has been defining for Weidenfeller’s legacy.

“Of course, the Champions League cup is big. And of course, when you win the championship in Germany, the trophy is also big. But in the end, the World Cup is actually the most important Cup and trophy you can win in soccer,” Weidenfeller admits. “I had the chance to touch this trophy and hold it up in the air. I can’t imagine how we could have organized this team to have won the World Cup in Brazil. But in the end, we had a great team, we had great teamwork, and we started the tournament in Brazil saying that we wanted to win it.

“Everyone was smiling and saying ‘yes, of course we want to win.’ We were the first team from Europe to win (a World Cup) in South America. And we said ‘yes.’ Of course, it’s not easy with the climate, with Brazil, and all the other countries, but we had the idea to win and we were completely focused on winning that tournament. And in the end, we won it!

“It was great teamwork and it was amazing. For me, in the end, I won the title at the World Cup and for your whole life, you’re a World Cup champion. This makes me very proud and I’m very thankful for my teammates. They organized with me and together we had great success.“

Inside Germany’s historic 7-1 win over Brazil

Perhaps the most memorable triumph from Germany‘s World Cup campaign was the semifinal victory over Brazil. While the hosts were seen as strong candidates to win the title, Weidenfeller watched how his teammates put seven past the five-time world champs, in a blowout win that continues to make noise.

“When we started the game against Brazil, nobody could imagine how it would go and how we could organize and win 7-1. I sat on the bench and the first attacks came from Brazil. We made counter-attacks. With the first counter-attack and the second counter-attack, we scored a goal. After that, Brazil was struggling a little bit. But in the end, it brought us big, big respect from the Brazilian guys, from fans, and from the public,” Weidenfeller recalls.

“We did not have smiles on our faces. We were not laughing. We didn’t do anything. We won this game and were very respectful and we waited to celebrate until our colleagues from Brazil left the pitch. And after they went into the dressing rooms, we celebrated. And this was a big, big key. In the final, all the Brazilian guys supported us against Argentina. And so we had the chance to win this big, big title.“

Facing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

While the 7-1 win over Brazil may be one of, if not the first game that comes to mind when thinking about Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, their campaign also included wins against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Germany started their journey with a commanding 4-0 victory over Portugal and ended it with a dramatic, hard-fought 1-0 win in extra time against Argentina in the final.

“I had the chance to play against maybe the two biggest players in the world, Messi and Ronaldo, and also I played against the Brazilian Ronaldo and Ronaldinho too. But look, just recently when I met some kids and youth players, everybody asked me, ‘Did you even play against Ronaldo?’ I say, yes. ‘Messi?’ Yes. And they couldn’t believe it, you know. I said, yes, I played against both. And yeah, it made me proud and I’m very thankful to have had the chance to play in big football matches. So…yeah, of course, both guys are amazing to play against.“

The World Cup saw him face both Ronaldo and Messi in the same tournament, but Weidenfeller had a larger history of matches against the Portuguese star at the club level. His record against CR7 includes an epic win in the 2013 Champions League semifinals, when Dortmund upset Real Madrid to make the final at Wembley.

“I had the chance to play against Ronaldo a lot more than Messi,” Weidenfeller says. “And of course, when Ronaldo saw me, you know what happened. So we always had big, big matches against Real Madrid, big matches against Juventus. And with Portugal against Germany. So it was always a challenge and it was always amazing to have had these chances to play against him.”

Weidenfeller on Messi’s impact in soccer in the US

Speaking of Messi, Weidenfeller also credits the Argentine star’s move to MLS side Inter Miami for boosting soccer’s awareness and popularity in the United States.

“I mean, Lionel Messi is a big brand in soccer. And when he joined the MLS, of course, it became more popular,” the Dortmund icon says. “And now everybody is watching soccer in Miami. Before, it was always people going for basketball or for holidays. And now, people are going there to enjoy the MLS and Inter Miami CF.

“So Messi, and also Marco Reus, support the MLS. And Marco won the (MLS) title when he played and joined the LA Galaxy. He won the title. It’s amazing. It’s amazing for these guys and it’s amazing for the MLS to have this support from these guys and in the end, they make this league very popular around the world.“

Former teammate and fellow Dortmund icon Marco Reus, another star in MLS

While Messi may take most of the limelight, Weidenfeller is also paying close attention to Marco Reus‘ performance in the league. A Dortmund legend just like him, the midfielder took his talents to MLS in 2024 after 12 years with the Black and Yellow, spending six of them alongside the goalkeeper.

“When I met Marco for the first time when he joined Borussia Dortmund, he was a big, big player, but he is now a big brand too. A big brand for Borussia Dortmund, also for Puma, and also for the MLS. He’s such a nice guy. He’s very smart. He’s very humble,” Weidenfeller says of Reus, whom he hopes to welcome back to Dortmund one day. But first, he wants his former teammate to continue shining in MLS.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Marco when he comes back. But now he has time to play and he has to play soccer,” Weidenfeller clarifies. “For Borussia Dortmund as a brand, it is good. Here in the US, we have an old icon or an old teammate from Borussia Dortmund. He’s very spectacular and powerful here in the MLS. And it’s good for our brand, Borussia Dortmund.“

Iconic Dortmund teammates

Apart from Reus or Pulisic, Weidenfeller has played with countless superstars who donned the Borussia Dortmund uniform. The goalkeeper captained teams that included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, and Mario Gotze, among many others. Therefore, it’s hard for him to name just one teammate who stood out.

“Look, everybody impressed me,” Weidenfeller explains. “I joined Borussia Dortmund when I was very young, I was 21 and I sat in the dressing room and met for the first time Jürgen Kohler, Stefan Reuter, (Tomáš) Rosický, (Márcio) Amoroso…amazing guys. And now, I have the chance to sometimes play with these guys in the global legends games around the world. It’s amazing.

“But also in my time, in my career and as a captain, a lot of young players joined us. (Jadon) Sancho, (Ousmane) Dembélé, (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang, so many guys. Not in my career, but (Erling) Haaland and (Jude) Bellingham also (played for Dortmund).

“And for me, (Alexander) Isak. Nobody talked about Isak before. Isak is now one of the biggest players in the Premier League. And he joined us as a young player. … So I’m looking, not forward, I’m looking straight back to have this chance to join this moment with these great players. And I mean, Borussia Dortmund is a big, big brand. And for the young players, to join us and grow up with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, they have the chance to take the next step.

“And in the end, looking back, it was always a great time. And it’s nice to have had the chance to play with and make friends with these guys. And always have the chance to call them or see each other on the pitch when we play against each other. So it’s always humbling and beautiful that they come and they put you in their arms and say, ‘Hey, how is it going and how is work?’ And everything’s fine.

“Sports have the power, and especially soccer, to create a different lifestyle, a different life, and sport has the power in your whole world and in your whole life. It’s not important what language you speak. It’s not important what your religion is. It’s more important you make friends and you are teammates. And sports have the power to create something special. There are guys who study at university or make a school team and then there are other guys who come from a small town. I do not speak English very well but in the end, I had the chance to play with all the guys. And we always created a good time together.“

The Jürgen Klopp influence

Besides teaming up with other stars throughout his successful career, Weidenfeller also worked under world-renowned managers. Again, choosing just one of them may not be easy. Still, Jürgen Klopp and Joachim Löw deserve special mentions.

“I learned a lot from each manager. But each manager had a little bit of a different style. And the most success I had, of course, was with Klopp and with Löw. Klopp at the club level and Löw at the national team level. When we talk about these guys, both guys are very smart and very human,” Weidenfeller says. “And in the end, they talk with the people and connect with the people well. And so the people have to work more for these coaches and managers. And the player knows he has to work harder than ever before. And so the success is coming.“

Löw led Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil, in an unforgettable experience for Weidenfeller. But it’s safe to say Klopp was particularly influential in his career, coaching the Dortmund team that won multiple domestic titles and made the Champions League final in 2013, putting many players on the map.

“Look, listen, Jürgen is not only the head coach, he’s not only a manager, he’s like our father. And he treats us like we are family, you know? He did not say, ‘Roman, you have to…’ He said, ‘hey, come on, guy, what’s happened? You have to go in front. And the guy’s coming in the back, he’s going with you. You have to go for it.’ He was always very strict and charismatic, but in the end, smart and human, you know?,” Weidenfeller adds, reflecting on his time under Klopp.

After making a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp went on to find even more success at the helm of Liverpool. Now the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, he appears to be done with coaching, at least for the foreseeable. Still, Dortmund fans obviously hope to see Klopp back at the club someday.

“I saw him at an event in Hamburg, Germany. I’m always very impressed by him and feel great pleasure when I get to see him. But also hopefully (see him) in Germany and at Dortmund… I support Jürgen Klopp, you know, as a person. And I can imagine he doesn’t want to have the pressure of the whole day, like a manager or head coach,” Weidenfeller says.

While Klopp and other legends who also shaped Borussia Dortmund’s history have moved on, Roman Weidenfeller remains a steadfast pillar of the club, serving in a new capacity. A match made in heaven, his journey with the team began in 2002 and continues to thrive beyond his playing days. Retirement has not diminished his bond with the Black and Yellow, proving that some connections truly do last forever.