Anticipation is reaching fever pitch at Anfield as Liverpool Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends prepare to square off in a charity match that promises nostalgia, star power, and no shortage of footballing flair. Scheduled for 3pm GMT (16:00 CET) on March 28, 2026, this fixture is more than just a walk down memory lane—it’s a celebration of two storied clubs, their intertwined histories, and the communities they support.
In a heartwarming prelude to the main event, Borussia Dortmund’s legendary figures—Mitch Langerak, Paul Lambert, Antonio da Silva, Jan Koller, Dede, Olivier Kirch, and Karl-Heinz Riedle—toured Anfield before joining nearly 300 BVB fans at the famed “Hotel Anfield” pub. For one day, the pub transformed into a sea of black and yellow, uniting BVB and Liverpool supporters in a friendly atmosphere. “I was surprised to see so many BVB fans here. It gives you extra motivation to win tomorrow’s match. Many thanks to the BVB fans!” said Antonio da Silva, echoing the sentiment of camaraderie that has defined the lead-up to this fixture. Mitch Langerak added, “It’s impressive that so many people are here in Liverpool. It’s an away game and yet we have so many fans here. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s match and to playing in front of our fans.”
This year’s legends match is particularly special for Liverpool supporters, as it marks the return of Jurgen Klopp to the Anfield dugout. Klopp, who led Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory during his iconic nine-year tenure, will assist Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, and John Aldridge—a managerial dream team if ever there was one. Klopp’s presence brings a poetic twist, as he faces his former club, Dortmund, with whom he won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.
The Liverpool Legends squad is nothing short of star-studded. Fans will see club icons such as Steven Gerrard, Thiago Alcantara, Pepe Reina, Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel, Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, and Albert Riera don the red shirt once more. The squad also features two former stars of Liverpool’s women’s team, Natasha Dowie and Louise Schillgard, reflecting the club’s inclusive approach to its history and legacy. For the home crowd, the nostalgia is palpable—especially as Gerrard, Hyypia, and Reina prepare to light up Anfield again.
Not to be outdone, Borussia Dortmund Legends bring a formidable lineup, many of whom only recently hung up their boots. Mats Hummels, a six-time Bundesliga champion who retired just last year after a stint with Roma, headlines a group that includes Roman Weidenfeller, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Kevin Grosskreutz, and Karl-Heinz Riedle—a man who scored 15 goals for Liverpool between 1997 and 1999. Paul Lambert, the former Aston Villa and Norwich manager, is also expected to play, adding to the cross-club connections that enrich this match’s narrative.
For those unable to snag a ticket to Anfield, there’s no shortage of ways to catch the action. The match is being streamed live for free across Liverpool FC’s official Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok channels, as well as on LFCTV and All Red Video (the latter requiring a subscription). Coverage on LFCTV began an hour before kickoff, offering pre-match interviews and build-up. Fans in the United States can tune in via the LFCTV GO platform, and those who prefer radio can catch live commentary on LFCTV’s digital audio service or BBC Radio Merseyside.
This annual fixture is about more than just footballing nostalgia—it’s a major fundraiser for the LFC Foundation and Forever Reds, with all proceeds supporting community programs. The LFC Foundation’s employability initiatives help people find work, gain qualifications, and develop new skills through mentoring and training. Borussia Dortmund’s “leuchte auf” foundation will also benefit, as will Forever Reds, the organization supporting Liverpool’s former players. Donations are encouraged, and the match’s broad streaming availability ensures that fans worldwide can contribute to these vital causes.
Earlier in the week, Borussia Dortmund’s walking football team traveled to England and played friendly matches against Liverpool FC’s walking footballers, securing impressive 15-1 and 3-1 victories. Manu Ponce netted six goals, while Wolfgang Klein was named the tournament’s best player. The matches were graced by Dortmund legends Nelson Valdez, Mohamed Zidan, and Eric Durm, who offered support from the sidelines. Eric Durm remarked, “It’s lovely to see how passionate the players are about the sport and how much enthusiasm they bring to the pitch. One Liverpool player and one BVB player even played with severe visual impairments, which makes it all the more impressive.”
The timing of this fixture adds another layer of nostalgia: it marks a decade since Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 comeback over Dortmund in the 2016 Europa League quarter-final—a match forever etched in the memories of both fanbases. The two clubs’ rivalry stretches even further back, to the 1966 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, which Dortmund won 2-1. Today’s legends match is a tribute to these shared moments, as well as the enduring bonds between clubs, players, and supporters.
As for the action on the pitch, Liverpool Legends enter with momentum, having recently defeated a star-studded Chelsea Legends side that featured the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and John Terry. Dortmund’s squad, meanwhile, boasts several regulars from Klopp’s Bundesliga-winning teams, adding competitive spice to what is nominally a friendly affair. With both teams fielding lineups brimming with international experience and club loyalty, fans can expect a contest full of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship.
Roversa and Gasper, two BVB fans who journeyed from Paderborn, summed up the sense of occasion perfectly: “Everything here is absolutely brilliant. It’s really cool that we have a central hub right by the stadium where we can go and meet other fans,” said Roversa. “We’re always delighted to meet new BVB fans – it doesn’t get any better than this,” added Gasper.
With kick-off at Anfield imminent, all eyes are on the returning heroes, the rekindled rivalries, and the thousands of fans—red and yellow alike—who have come together for a worthy cause. The match is ongoing, and with legends from both sides gracing the pitch, football fans everywhere are in for a treat, both on and off the field.