Christian football network Ballers in God has defended professional footballers’ right to publicly express their religious beliefs amid criticism surrounding its association with the ‘The King’s Return’ campaign.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, November 10, the organisation said it supported players who openly express their Christian faith while respecting people with different beliefs.

The statement comes amid controversy surrounding Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, whose goal celebrations linked to the campaign have drawn criticism from the German club’s supporters.

“We celebrate players who live out their faith privately, as well as those who choose to express it publicly,” Ballers in God said.

The organisation added that initiatives such as ‘The King’s Return’ encourage footballers to demonstrate their Christian beliefs through public expressions of faith.

The controversy intensified after Nmecha performed his crown-lowering celebration during Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over SV Elversberg on November 7, scoring both goals.

According to the Associated Press, the gesture involves the midfielder removing an imaginary crown and placing it on the ground, symbolising the campaign’s Christian message.

Borussia Dortmund’s Fan and Supporters Department subsequently criticised the campaign, citing investigations by German broadcasters ARD’s MONITOR and Sportschau, which raised concerns about the network’s reported positions on homosexuality and abortion.

The supporters’ department said it opposed religious networks that promote discrimination or exclusion based on sexual orientation, gender identity or personal choices.

Responding to the criticism in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Nmecha said his celebration was not intended to promote himself or any organisation.

“My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation. Rather, it is about laying my ‘crown’ before the soon-coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength,” he wrote.

He further dismissed suggestions that his message promoted intolerance, discrimination or hatred, insisting that Christianity should promote love and respect for everyone regardless of their background, beliefs or worldview.

Borussia Dortmund said it took the concerns raised by supporters seriously and would engage the midfielder in discussions, according to the Associated Press.

Founded in 2015, Ballers in God describes itself as a network supporting professional footballers and their families in their Christian faith through prayer, discipleship and fellowship.