Marco Reus

Marco Reus – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Marco Reus is a German footballer known for his skill, resilience, and loyalty—having starred for Borussia Dortmund and now in MLS with LA Galaxy. Explore his life, career highs and lows, influence, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Marco Reus (born May 31, 1989) is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward. LA Galaxy.

Though his career has been marked by injuries and missed tournaments, Reus’s resilience, loyalty, and leadership have made him a respected and beloved figure in football. This article delves into his life, career, legacy, and some of his memorable sayings.

Early Life and Family

Marco Reus was born on May 31, 1989 in Dortmund, West Germany. Post SV Dortmund (from 1994 to 1996) before he joined the youth system of Borussia Dortmund in 1996.

His parents are Thomas Reus and Manuela Reus, and he has two older sisters. From a young age, football was central to his life, and he was deeply tied to Dortmund as a city and club.

It is said that his parents initially considered naming him “Dennis,” but after being inspired by a famous volley by Dutch striker Marco van Basten in the 1988 European Championship final, they opted to name him Marco.

In his personal life, Reus is married to Scarlett Gartmann (they wed in December 2019).

Youth & Development

Reus’s youth career began at Post SV Dortmund, and then he joined Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy in 1996. Rot Weiss Ahlen when breaking into senior ranks.

His breakthrough came during his time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, where his performances (goals and assists) made him a target for larger clubs.

Professional Career & Achievements

Club Career

• Rot Weiss Ahlen (2007–2009)
  Reus broke into professional football with Ahlen, featuring in the first team and gaining vital experience.

• Borussia Mönchengladbach (2009–2012)
  His time at Gladbach was transformative: he scored prolifically and assisted heavily, helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

• Borussia Dortmund (2012–2024)
  Reus returned to his home club Dortmund in 2012.

  Achievements at Dortmund include:

  • Winning the DFB-Pokal in 2017 and 2021

  • Winning the DFL-Supercup in 2013 and 2019

  • Reaching the UEFA Champions League final twice: in 2013 and 2024

  • Being one of only a few players who have achieved 100+ goals and 100+ assists in Bundesliga history

  • Accumulating 170 goals and 132 assists for Dortmund across all competitions

  During his final season at Dortmund, Reus made the decision not to extend his contract, signaling the end of a long era with the club.

• LA Galaxy (MLS) (2024– )
  In August 2024, Reus signed with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer on a contract lasting until 2026. MLS Cup in 2024, marking his first league title.

International Career

Reus made his senior debut for Germany in 2011. 48 caps, scoring 15 goals.

Though selected for major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup, injuries prevented his participation in others (notably missing 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments due to fitness issues).

Historical Milestones & Context

• Loyalty to Dortmund
  One of Reus’s defining qualities is his long-term commitment to Borussia Dortmund, despite interest from bigger European clubs.

• Injury Struggles
  Reus’s career has often been disrupted by injuries. These recurring fitness issues prevented him from starring in some of Germany’s greatest tournaments, which feeds into his narrative as a “what-might-have-been” figure.

• Milestones in Bundesliga
  Reus belongs to the select group of players who reached 100+ Bundesliga goals and 100+ assists.

• Transition to MLS
  His move to LA Galaxy in 2024 marks one of the notable recent shifts of top European players moving to American soccer leagues.

Legacy and Influence

Reus is widely admired for:

• Technical excellence & versatility
  He can play across attacking midfield or forward roles, using creativity, vision, and speed.

• Loyalty & symbolic identity
  For many Dortmund fans, Reus represents the club’s spirit—local, committed, and passionate.

• Resilience under adversity
  His repeated comebacks from injuries and determination to perform shine as a testament to perseverance.

• Role model for balance
  Reus often speaks about how football is important, but it should not completely define life.

• Bridge between generations
  In moving to MLS later in his career, he helps draw attention to the league and may influence younger players considering transatlantic moves.

Personality and Talents

• Mental strength & humility
  Despite the highs and the setbacks, Reus is known to stay grounded and focused.

• Team player & leadership
  As captain of Dortmund, he often shouldered the responsibility of guiding younger teammates and being a voice both on and off the pitch.

• Football intellect
  He reads the game well, creates chances, understands spatial dynamics—not just a scorer, but a creator.

• Adaptability
  Playing in a new league (MLS) late in his career, he shows willingness to adapt and continue challenging himself.

Famous Quotes of Marco Reus

Here are a few quotes attributed to Marco Reus that reflect his mindset:

• “I was injured many times, but life is like this, and I have to accept this.”

• “Football is an important part of my life, but not everything.”

• “You never know what will happen during a tournament: things like injuries, for example.”

• “My idol was always Tomas Rosicky. He had such a good eye for an opening … he was so quick.”

• “Dortmund are the best club for me.”

• “I have played the World Cup qualifiers on the left wing, and that position suits me fine.”

These quotes give insight into his realism about football, love for his club, and respect for the game and its uncertainties.

Lessons from Marco Reus

1. Perseverance in the face of adversity
   Even through repeated injuries, one can come back and still contribute meaningfully.

2. Loyalty matters
   Staying true to a team or place can create deep connections beyond just trophies.

3. Balance ambition and humility
   While striving for success, remembering that life has many dimensions beyond sport.

4. Adapt, don’t stagnate
   Even later in one’s career, stepping into new challenges (like a new league) can be rewarding.

5. Make your environment count
   Reus often noted that being in a familiar, supportive environment (Dortmund) helped him perform.

Conclusion

Marco Reus is more than a talented footballer—he is a figure of resilience, loyalty, and wisdom. His journey, marked by brilliance on the pitch and challenges off it, resonates deeply with fans and players alike. From Dortmund legend to MLS competitor, Reus continues to shape his legacy with dignity and passion.