Portrait Heinz Ditgens

There is no doubt that Heinz Ditgens, born on 3 July 1914, will become a Borussian: his father Hermann is one of the first members of the club and his uncle Stephan is Borussia's first honorary captain. In 1936, despite Borussia's relegation from the Gauliga, Reich coach Otto Nerz calls him into the squad for the Olympic Games in Berlin. Ditgens becomes VfL's first national player, making three appearances for Germany. After his career ends, the former defender is also active for Borussia on the board of directors, as a coach and on the honorary council until his old age.