We are pleased to announce that we have concluded a club alliance with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a member of the German Bundesliga.
Term
January 25, 2026 – July 31, 2030
Alliance Overview
The purpose of this alliance is to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of both clubs' management from a long-term perspective through football-centric collaboration. While there will be no capital tie-up or financial commitments, both parties position each other as equal partners and will strategically advance concrete measures in three phases, covering top teams, academies, and international activities, including business elements.
Key Initiatives
■ Implementation of joint programs in enhancement areas, collaboration in scouting, knowledge sharing, and personnel exchange.
■ Implementation of various player development programs for academy generations (U13-U18).
■ Collaboration and implementation of joint programs in domestic and international school businesses.
Comments
■ Rainer Bonhof, President of Borussia Mönchengladbach
I am sincerely delighted to have concluded a club alliance with Kashima Antlers, a leading force in Japanese football, the reigning league champions from last year, and the club with the most domestic titles. Over the years, Borussia Mönchengladbach has fostered a special relationship with Japan, valuing mutual respect, reverence for football, and cultural tolerance. This partnership with Kashima Antlers builds upon this tradition and evolves it into a future-oriented framework. I anticipate that through long-term collaboration in several key areas, we can create an impact that transcends the boundaries of football. We found similarities in tradition and history with Kashima Antlers, as well as a partner aligned with our strategy of developing football on a global scale.
■ Dr. Stefan Stegemann, CEO of Borussia Mönchengladbach
I am pleased to promote this historic alliance with Kashima Antlers, a club with a brilliant track record both domestically and internationally. Japan is an extremely important market for us, and in addition to its high level of competition, it has a very strong connection to European football. We have found an equal partner in Kashima Antlers, a club with similar values and an excellent organization. Through this alliance, we aim to strategically develop our activities in the Japanese market and also carve new paths in football.
■ Fumio Koizumi, President and Representative Director of Kashima Antlers F.C.
I am deeply honored to have formed an alliance with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club with a great history and tradition spanning over 125 years, top-tier European facilities, and highly regarded domestic and international player development from the academy level. While our countries, histories, and cultures differ, there are many similarities between our clubs, such as the population size of our surrounding regions and the passion of our supporters. Most importantly, we share a common emphasis on our club missions and the sustainability of our management. Furthermore, our policies align in actively investing in our academies. While this type of partnership is a first in both clubs' histories, I expect that close and long-term collaboration between the clubs, from the management level to the operational level, will lead to improved sustainability and competitiveness for both parties.
About Borussia Mönchengladbach
Founded in 1900. A professional football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
■ Titles Won
Bundesliga: 5 times
DFB-Pokal: 3 times
UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League): 2 times