Former Dortmund Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller Reflects on Battles with Messi & Ronaldo, Champions 2014 world Cup, and Current Role as Club Ambassador
NEW YORK – Roman Weidenfeller, the celebrated former goalkeeper for Borussia Dortmund and 2014 World Cup champion with Germany, revealed his disbelief when younger players learned he faced both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during his career. “beleive it. I told them yes, I had played against both of them. And yes, I was proud and I am very grateful to have had the chance to play in great football games. So… yeah, sure, it’s amazing to play against both of them,” Weidenfeller recounted.
the German shot-stopper encountered Ronaldo far more frequently, notably during his time with dortmund, facing him in crucial matches against Real Madrid and Juventus. “I had the opportunity to play against Ronaldo much more than against Messi. We always had very meaningful games against Real Madrid, against Juventus. So it was always a challenge and it was always astounding to have had these opportunities to play against him,” he confessed.
Weidenfeller was a key member of the German national team that triumphed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, notably defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 4-0 in the group stage and overcoming Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final.
Now serving as a global ambassador for Borussia Dortmund, Weidenfeller is actively expanding the club’s presence, particularly in the united States. His fourth consecutive appearance at the Times Square cup underscores this commitment. “I am very proud. We have had a lot of success and support from the United States and around the world. We have a great community in Mexico. We felt it during the last Club world Cup when we saw the stadiums where we played,” he stated.
KEY DATA
* Roman Weidenfeller was a champion goalkeeper with Germany at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
* Germany defeated Portugal, featuring cristiano Ronaldo, 4-0 during the World Cup and beat Argentina 1-0 in overtime in the final.
* The former German player currently works as a Borussia Dortmund ambassador worldwide.
