Borussia Dortmund’s long-term imaginative and prescient took middle stage on February 28, 2026, as 17-year-old Samuele Inácio made his skilled debut within the greatest attainable setting Der Klassiker towards Bayern Munich at Sign Iduna Park.
Regardless of the high-pressure event, supervisor Nico Kovać confirmed daring religion within the Italian teenager, introducing him within the seventy fifth minute of Dortmund’s 3–2 defeat. Softfootball reported that Whereas the outcome went Bayern’s method courtesy of a late Joshua Kimmich winner, the evening marked the start of what the membership hopes can be a defining chapter for Inácio.
Kovać later praised the teen’s “future world-class qualities,” underlining that the substitution was not symbolic however strategic. Fabrizio Romano have reported by way of their x deal with that Dortmund view Inácio as a cornerstone of their next-generation venture.
Romano posted;
Samuele Inacio made his debut for Borussia Dortmund as we speak as 18 yr previous proficient child is seen as large a part of the long run venture. Membership believes Inacio has enormous potential, Nico Kovać determined to offer him minutes vs FC Bayern as we speak.
Already built-in into first group coaching and included within the squad for the 2026 Champions League knockouts, the ahead is regarded internally as considered one of Europe’s brightest skills.
Inácio arrives with severe pedigree, having completed as high scorer on the 2025 UEFA European Underneath-17 Championship.
The extremely rated teen is admired for his technical magnificence, composure beneath stress, and tactical intelligence effectively past his years qualities that match completely into Borussia Dortmund’s youth-focused philosophy.
Dortmund’s technique doesn’t cease there. The membership can be finalizing the signing of 17 yr previous Brazilian left-back Kauã Prates from Cruzeiro in a deal value €7 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Prates will stay in Brazil till the tip of the season earlier than formally linking up with BVB in June 2026, persevering with the membership’s custom of investing in elite younger prospects.
On the pitch, Dortmund confirmed their preventing spirit as Carney Chukwuemeka scored within the 96th minute to grab a dramatic 3–3 draw away at Eintracht Frankfurt a outcome that underlined their resilience regardless of Bayern Munich extending their lead on the high of the Bundesliga desk.
With key fixtures forward towards FC Augsburg, Atalanta BC within the Champions League Spherical of 16, and Werder Bremen, Dortmund’s focus stays clear: compete now, however construct fearlessly for the long run.
