Kevin Großkreutz

Kevin Großkreutz is a semi-retired German professional footballer who spent the prime of his career as a versatile right-back and winger. Born in Dortmund, he rose through the regional leagues to become a key figure for Borussia Dortmund during their dominant early 2010s era. His career arc took him from local youth systems to the pinnacle of international football, culminating in a 2014 FIFA World Cup victory with Germany.

As of 2026, the 38-year-old has transitioned to semi-retirement while playing for TuS Eichlinghofen in regional amateur leagues. He remains active in the football community through media work and podcasting, maintaining a connection to the sport that defined his life. His journey reflects a unique path from a promising academy prospect to a global champion and eventually to a respected figure in lower-tier German football. [edit]

Großkreutz was born and raised in Dortmund, a city where football is more than a sport; it is a cultural pillar. Unlike many peers who entered elite academies like Bayern Munich or Schalke, his early development happened in the grassroots system of Westphalia. He began his formal training with Rot Weiss Ahlen, a club based in the neighboring town of Ahlen. This environment fostered a gritty, adaptable playing style that would serve him well later in his career.

His breakthrough arrived when he caught the eye of scouts from Borussia Dortmund in 2009. The move marked a significant leap from the Regionalliga to one of the Bundesliga's biggest stages. Before joining the first team, he had already established himself as a dynamic full-back capable of covering both flanks. This versatility made him an attractive asset for managers looking for depth across the defensive line and midfield. His time at Rot Weiss Ahlen provided the foundation for a rapid ascent into the top tier of German football. [edit]

The 2009 transfer to Borussia Dortmund launched Großkreutz into the spotlight. Under Jürgen Klopp and later Thomas Tuchel, he became a staple of the squad, making 233 appearances and scoring 27 goals across all competitions. His tenure coincided with the club's most successful period in modern history, including two consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2010–11 and 2011–12. That 2011–12 season was particularly historic, as Dortmund completed the domestic double by winning the DFB-Pokal alongside the league title.

On the international stage, he earned caps for Germany between 2010 and 2014. While not a regular starter in every match, his contribution to the squad depth was vital during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He was part of the team that lifted the trophy after defeating Argentina in the final. Following his peak years, his career faced turbulence. A brief stint at Galatasaray in 2015 yielded little playing time, and a high-profile bar fight incident in March 2017 led to his contract termination with VfB Stuttgart.

He continued his career with Darmstadt 98 in the 2. Bundesliga before moving to KFC Uerdingen 05 in the 3. Liga. In January 2021, he signed with TüS Bövninghausen. As of 2026, he plays for TuS Eichlinghofen, marking his status as a semi-retired player competing in regional amateur leagues. [edit]

Großkreutz is generally viewed as a loyal "Dortmunder Junge" (Dortmund boy), a term used affectionately for players who grew up in the region and dedicated their prime years to the club. His public image is mixed; he is respected for his work ethic and championship pedigree but also remembered for the 2017 bar fight incident. He does not have a formal fandom name like pop stars do, but he retains a strong following among Borussia Dortmund supporters who appreciate his loyalty. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@fischkreutz), is active, focusing on family life, football commentary, and promoting his podcast. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. Kevin Großkreutz is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His recognition remains strongest within the specific sphere of German football fans rather than global celebrity circles. The fanbase associated with his career does not have a formal collective name. Instead, his support comes primarily from Borussia Dortmund followers who value his contributions to the club's golden era. These fans remember his versatility on the pitch and his role in securing the 2012 domestic double. His social media activity continues to engage these supporters, keeping his connection to the community alive as he transitions to semi-retirement. [edit]

Großkreutz goes by the nickname "Fisch," which translates to "Fish." This moniker stems directly from his Instagram handle @fischkreutz, a name he adopted early in his social media career. He co-hosts a football podcast called Viertelstundfußball, where he discusses current events in German football with fellow enthusiasts. The show allows him to share insights and opinions on the game outside of his playing days.

Known for his tactical flexibility, he could play as a right-back, left-back, winger, or even in central midfield. This adaptability made him a valuable asset for managers who needed cover across multiple positions. Fans often recall his role in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final run, where Dortmund reached Wembley before losing to Bayern Munich. Despite the loss, the campaign is remembered as a highlight of his club career. [edit]

Kevin Großkreutz maintains a relatively private personal life compared to his public football career. He is the father of two children named Leonie and Linus. The mother of his children has not been publicly identified in major media outlets, and he keeps details about his family life out of the spotlight. He resides in Germany and spends his time balancing his semi-professional football commitments with family responsibilities. [edit]

Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Mario Götze, Marco Reus. [edit]

Kevin Großkreutz has kept his romantic life largely out of the public eye. As of 2026, there is no public record of a marriage or long-term engagement that resulted in a family unit beyond fatherhood. According to his Instagram profile, he is the father of two children: Leonie and Linus. The mother of his children has not been publicly identified in major media outlets, and there are no widely reported romantic relationships, engagements, or divorces documented in credible sources. Consequently, his current relationship status is effectively single or private, with no confirmed current partner named in public records. The lack of extensive dating history in the press suggests he keeps his romantic life separate from his public persona. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Kevin Großkreutz's net worth at approximately $5 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a professional career spanning over a decade, with the bulk accumulated during his peak years at Borussia Dortmund where he reportedly earned between €1.5 million and €2.5 million annually. His post-2017 income from lower-league clubs in Germany was significantly less, contributing to a steady but modest financial trajectory.

Unlike some athletes who diversify heavily into business ventures or real estate immediately after retirement, Großkreutz has maintained a lifestyle typical of retired mid-level Bundesliga players. There are no credible reports of major endorsement deals or investment portfolios that drastically alter these figures. The estimate accounts for his cumulative career earnings before taxes and his current semi-retired status in regional leagues. [edit]

Kevin Großkreutz's accolades are tied to team successes rather than individual awards. He was part of the German squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he secured two consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2010–11 and 2011–12, along with the DFB-Pokal in 2011–12. He also won the DFL-Supercup in 2013. [edit]