Controversy Erupts Over Kevin Behrens’ Refusal to Sign Rainbow Jersey at VfL Wolfsburg

Kevin Behrens, the VfL Wolfsburg striker, has found himself at the center of controversy after allegedly refusing to sign a jersey designed to promote diversity and tolerance. According to a report by Sport Bild, the incident occurred during a routine autograph session organized by the club’s marketing department in the last week of September. Players were asked to sign fan merchandise, including a special edition shirt featuring rainbow-colored logos and numbers, intended as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity.

The 33-year-old forward reportedly declined multiple requests to sign the shirt, allegedly making homophobic remarks in the process. Behrens is quoted as saying, “I won’t sign this gay stuff.” This comment reportedly left staff at the club “shocked,” leading to immediate internal discussions regarding the incident.

Behrens was summoned to explain his actions to Sebastian Schindzielorz, VfL Wolfsburg’s sporting director. Although Behrens reportedly communicated convincingly that he held no prejudice against homosexuals, the club issued a statement acknowledging that remarks made during the session did not align with its values. VfL Wolfsburg expressed its commitment to diversity and inclusion, asserting that respect and openness are central to its philosophy.

The striker has since publicly apologized for his “spontaneous comments,” admitting they were inappropriate. Behrens, in remarks to Sport Bild, stated: “My spontaneous utterances were absolutely not okay. I apologize for that. The issue has been clearly addressed internally, and I ask for your understanding that I will not comment further on this.” Despite the controversy, there has been no formal announcement regarding disciplinary measures against Behrens, who was included in the squad for last weekend’s match.

VfL Wolfsburg has a history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, with all team captains traditionally wearing rainbow armbands. The club also hosts diversity training sessions for staff and players annually. Previous incidents include midfielder Josip Brekalo‘s 2018 refusal to wear a rainbow armband due to his Christian beliefs, and Felix Nmecha’s transphobic social media post in 2023, which he later regretted.

For Behrens, this incident marks a challenging chapter in a career that has seen a decline in recent performance. After moving to Wolfsburg from Union Berlin for €2 million in January 2024, Behrens has struggled to match his previous goal-scoring exploits, appearing less frequently in the starting lineup.