The German Football Association celebrates 20 years of the Julius Hirsch Prize by recognizing innovative projects combating racism and promoting inclusion
Germany– The German Football Association (DFB) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Julius Hirsch Prize, marking the 20th anniversary of the award that honors efforts to combat discrimination and promote remembrance culture in football and society.
Three organizations across Germany have been recognized for their outstanding work in fighting racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination while fostering community integration and democratic values.
First Prize: Educational Innovation in Baden-Württemberg
The Ludwig-Marum-Gymnasium in Pfinztal, Baden-Württemberg, received first prize for its groundbreaking “Julius Hirsch Event Box” project. The 11th-grade seminar class developed this innovative educational tool containing practical event formats—from soccer tournaments to theater projects and public presentations—all designed to combat racism and discrimination while honoring Julius Hirsch’s legacy.
“The students’ commitment sets new standards and creates opportunities that can also inspire other schools,” said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf. “In the award’s anniversary year, this sends a strong message: Remembrance requires initiative.”
Second Prize: Two Decades of Community Impact in Dortmund
The collaborative “Nordstadtliga Dortmund” project, involving the Dortmund Youth Welfare Office, AWO Streetwork, and the Dortmund Fan Project, earned second prize for its transformative work in one of Germany’s most socially disadvantaged areas.
For over 20 years, this self-organized street soccer league has reached more than 4,000 children and young people annually—many of whom are rarely engaged through traditional educational and club structures. The program’s crown jewel is the annual “Mehmet Kubaşık Cup,” named after the Dortmund kiosk owner murdered by the far-right NSU terrorist group in 2006.
“In the Nordstadtliga, people who are often neglected by society are seen and heard,” explained jury member Celia Å aÅ¡ić, DFB Vice President for Equality and Diversity. “The concept of self-organization uniquely trains their values and allows young people to experience democracy directly.”
Third Prize: From Refugee Center to Football Integration
FC Mainaustrasse from Munich claimed third prize, representing more than 80 percent of amateur clubs among this year’s 120 applications. Originally founded in a refugee center, the club has evolved into a registered football organization within the Bavarian Football Association’s regular league system.
Beyond providing access to organized sports for people from diverse backgrounds, FC Mainaustrasse offers comprehensive support, including assistance with administrative procedures, housing searches, training opportunities, and volunteer work integration.
“The club demonstrates how club life can contribute to a sense of belonging and participation,” Neuendorf noted.
A Legacy of Remembrance and Action
The Julius Hirsch Prize commemorates the seven-time German-Jewish international player Julius Hirsch, who won German championships in 1910 and 1914 before being murdered in Auschwitz in 1943. The award recognizes individuals and projects that courageously advocate for diversity, human dignity, and respectful coexistence.
Dr. Charlotte Knobloch, former chairwoman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany and founding jury member, emphasized the continued relevance of such work: “The commitment against forgetting, racism, and discrimination is needed more than ever today—this is where football demonstrates its great social cohesion.”
The prestigious jury, chaired by DFB President Neuendorf, includes notable new members such as Ghanaian national coach Otto Addo, co-founder of the anti-racism initiative “Roots,” and DOSB President Thomas Weikert.
The anniversary award ceremony will take place on November 27 at the FABRIK cultural center in Hamburg-Ottensen, celebrating two decades of the DFB’s commitment to using football as a vehicle for positive social change.
The DFB Cultural Foundation administers the prize in collaboration with the Hirsch family, ensuring that Julius Hirsch’s legacy continues to inspire new generations in the fight against discrimination and the promotion of democratic values through sport.
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