Sven Körber (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Former Borussia Mönchengladbach ultras leader Sven Körber became a Protestant priest in Germany but still attends many Gladbach matches and uses football to connect with people.
Football rarely produces stories as unusual as the journey of Sven Körber, a man who once led the loudest section of the Borussia Mönchengladbach stands and now serves as a Protestant priest in western Germany.
Years ago, Körber stood among the most recognizable figures in the club’s ultras scene. Tattoos, a commanding voice, and a megaphone made him a central presence in the roaring terraces of Borussia-Park.
Today, his life looks very different.
The 45-year-old now leads a church community in the town of Balve, where stadium chants have been replaced by sermons, candles, and the Bible. The man once associated with flares, banners, and thunderous chanting now focuses on spiritual guidance.
Despite the transformation, Körber never fully stepped away from football.
"I want to build bridges in society, and football can be a great conversation starter."
The priest still attends many matches of his beloved Borussia Mönchengladbach. When his church duties allow, he watches roughly 25 home games each season, maintaining a bond with the club where he once helped lead the atmosphere from the stands.
While he now feels more comfortable in the quiet of the church than in the chaos of the terrace, the emotional connection to Gladbach remains strong.
The current season has not offered supporters much joy. Borussia Mönchengladbach sits in 12th place in the Bundesliga, far from the positions that lead to European competitions.
Still, for Körber, football remains a powerful way to connect with people. The megaphone is gone, yet the passion for Borussia continues.