While Takato Yamamoto, Justin Lerma and Enzo Duarte took the spotlight in their opening game against RW Oberhausen, Mathis Albert was on target during their second clash.
But there's another group of youngsters who have been called up by head coach Niko Kovac for these summer friendlies and it seems to have a struck a chord with one corner of the world.
The current Borussia Dortmund squad boasts four players of Arab descent: Moroccan-born Ayman Azhil, Algerian defender Ilyas Ben Qara, Libyan-origin left-back Almugera Kabar and Iraqi-origin Marwan Mirza as their rise to prominence in the BVB set-up has become a source of joy across the Arab world.
Let's look at each of these players:.
1) Ayman Azhil
Born in Dusseldorf, Ayman Azhil is of Moroccan descent. He came through Bayer Leverkusen's youth academy but it was only after a loan spell with Dutch side RKC Waalwijk that he finally broke into Leverkusen's senior team during 2022-23 season.
Competition for places in the XI meant he joined Dortmund's reserve team in 2023. The following season, Azhil was finally handed his Bundesliga and Champions League debut. At the current pre-season, he's made an appearance in both their games so far.
2) Elias Benkara
After a brief stint with Mainz's youth team, Elias Benkara joined that of BVB at the age of 14 and was promoted to their senior team in 2024 although he's yet to officially play for them.
His eye-catching performances during last year's pre-season campaign led to Bundesliga's official website calling him a 'commanding presence' at the heart of Dortmund's defense while also raving about his aerial prowess. Though he's born in Germany, Benkara has chose to represent Algeria on the international stage.
3) Almugera Kabar
Another versatile young gun making a case for himself in the ongoing pre-season campaign is Almugera Kabar. Unlike the aforementioned players, he's started in both their friendly matches so far and has made six appearances with the senior team in official matches since 2024.
Kabar is of Libyan descent but like most others here, is currently with Germany's youth side on the international stage. Back in October 2023, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006.
4) Marwan Mirza
The youngest of the lot, Marwan Mirza is only 16 but has looked so bright in their attacking set-up. In fact, over these two friendlies, he has laid four crosses and one key pass.
Born in August 2009, Mirza is widely considered one of the most promising young talents at Dortmund's academy and could soon be headed for his senior debut.
Borussia Dortmund's pre-season campaign so far has witnessed a few teenage sensations rise to the fore.
Add us as a preferred source on Google