| Full Name | Marco Reus |
| Birthday | May 31, 1989 (age 34) |
| Birthplace | Dortmund, Germany |
| Height | 5‘11" |
| Current Team | Borussia Dortmund |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Social Media |
Facebook |
As a lifelong Borussia Dortmund fan, I‘ve had the privilege of watching Marco Reus blossom from a promising youth prospect into a world-class player and captain for my beloved club. After joining BVB‘s academy in 2005, Reus has become a legendary figure in Dortmund.
Early Life and Career
Born and raised just outside Dortmund, Reus grew up as a diehard BVB fan. He joined the club‘s youth system at age 16 after playing for hometown club Post SV Dortmund as a kid. From the start, coaches raved about Reus‘ technical ability and eye for goal.
After earning a promotion to the senior side in 2009, an impatient Reus left to join Borussia Mönchengladbach in search of first-team minutes. Over three stellar seasons there, he caught Dortmund‘s eye once again.
Return to Borussia Dortmund
In 2012, Marco fulfilled his boyhood dream by signing with Dortmund. It felt like a homecoming for player and club. Reus said, "I was born in Dortmund, I grew up in Dortmund, and began my professional career here. BVB are my childhood team, and I will always have a very close connection with the club and the fans."
Reus‘ impact was immediate, registering 18 goals and 15 assists in his first season as Dortmund reached the 2013 Champions League final. With explosive pace and lethal finishing, Reus formed a feared attacking trident with Robert Lewandowski and Mario Götze.
Over the years, Marco has delivered countless moments of magic. From long-range stunners to weaving solo goals, Reus has been at the heart of Dortmund‘s success. Even through injury troubles, his love for BVB and connection to supporters has never wavered.
National Team Success
Beyond his club heroics, Marco has shone for Germany. He scored the opening goal in their Euro 2012 clash with Greece, though Die Mannschaft would ultimately fall in the semis.
At the 2014 World Cup, Reus contributed 2 goals before an ankle injury ruled him out of the final. Germany went on to win their fourth World Cup trophy. Since then, fitness issues have limited his caps, but Marco remains a key leader for the national side.
Playing Style and Strengths
Marco Reus is a phenomenal technician capable of splitting defenses with his dribbling or unlocking them with incisive passes. He primarily operates as a gifted playmaker starting on the left wing before roaming across the final third.
With explosive acceleration, close control, and clever movement, Reus devastates back lines. His vision and passing range enable him to link up flawlessly with teammates. Despite his smaller frame, Marco packs a ferocious shot from distance and has a keen eye for goal.
According to former manager Jürgen Klopp, "Marco is a player who makes the difference…when the ball is at his feet, anything can happen."
Importance as BVB Captain
In 2018, Marco Reus was named captain of Dortmund as a testament to his standing within the squad. Both coaches and teammates revere Reus for his work ethic, professionalism and leadership.
Marco sets the tone with his tenacious play and leads by example. He has embraced being a mentor to BVB‘s next generation of rising stars. For Dortmund to remain competitive, they need their talisman at his best. When Reus plays well, the team follows suit.
Despite interest from Europe‘s elites, Reus has remained loyal to Dortmund through it all. Their fates are intertwined. "I‘m with BVB with all my heart," Marco has said. "I want to get back to where this club belongs."
Off the Pitch
While soft-spoken off the field, Reus‘ contributions extend beyond soccer. He launched the Marco Reus Foundation to provide sports access for disadvantaged youth. As an icon in Dortmund, he is active in the community and often visits children‘s hospitals.
Marco prefers to keep his personal life private. He has been in a relationship with model Scarlett Gartmann since 2015. In 2019, the couple had their first child, a daughter named Ava. When not playing, Reus enjoys activities like chess and spending time with family.
At 34, Marco Reus has already sealed his status as a Borussia Dortmund legend. The boy who once stood in the stands chanting for his heroes now captains his hometown club. But to fans like me, he will always be "Reusje" – our beloved number 11.
