Michael Zorc

Michael Zorc was born on August 25, 1962, in Dortmund, West Germany. He would later become one of the key figures in German football both as a player and a sports executive. Zorc is best known for his long-term association with Borussia Dortmund, both as a player and later as a sporting director, greatly influencing the club's success in multiple decades.

Michael Zorc made his debut for Borussia Dortmund on November 24, 1981. He went on to become one of the club's most significant players, spending his entire professional playing career at Dortmund. Known for his consistency and leadership on the field, Zorc became a central figure in the team's midfield over 17 years, making a significant impact on the club's fortunes.

Michael Zorc earned his first international cap for West Germany on October 10, 1987. This marked the beginning of his international career, during which he went on to earn a total of 7 caps. Zorc's international experience, although limited compared to his club career, still contributed to his footballing expertise and understanding of the game at different levels.

On June 17, 1995, Michael Zorc captained Borussia Dortmund to win the Bundesliga title. This was a significant achievement for both Zorc and the club as it marked the beginning of a period of success for Dortmund in the mid to late 1990s. Zorc's leadership on the field was instrumental in securing the championship, and it solidified his status as one of Dortmund's legends.

Michael Zorc and Borussia Dortmund won the UEFA Champions League on May 28, 1997, defeating Juventus in the final. Zorc's role as the team captain and his experience were crucial in this historic victory. Winning the Champions League was one of the club's most significant achievements and placed Zorc among the few players to have lifted this prestigious trophy.

Michael Zorc retired from professional football on May 16, 1998. Having spent his entire career at Borussia Dortmund, Zorc retired as one of the club's most respected figures. During his career, he became one of the most capped players in Dortmund's history, having made over 550 appearances. Zorc's playing career set the foundation for his future roles in football management.

Michael Zorc was appointed as the sporting director of Borussia Dortmund on July 1, 1998. In this role, Zorc was responsible for overseeing player recruitment, development, and the overall sports strategy of the club. Under his guidance, Dortmund enjoyed tremendous success both domestically and in Europe, reaffirming his importance to the club beyond his playing days.

On May 12, 2012, under the oversight of sporting director Michael Zorc, Borussia Dortmund won both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal in the same season, achieving a domestic double. This was one of the most successful seasons in the club's history and showcased Zorc's ability to build a competitive team that could dominate the national competitions.

Michael Zorc announced he would retire from his role as Borussia Dortmund's sporting director at the end of the 2021/2022 season on June 30, 2020. Zorc decided to step down after more than two decades in charge, having drastically transformed the club's sports dynamics and having been part of multiple victorious campaigns. His retirement marked the end of an epoch.

On May 14, 2022, Michael Zorc officially stepped down from his role as the sporting director of Borussia Dortmund, concluding his long and influential tenure. His last day was marked by accolades from across the football community, celebrating his incredible contributions to the club's successes over the years. Zorc's career at Dortmund serves as a blueprint for football management.