Kevin Behrens reflects on career impact of homophobic remarks

Former German national player Kevin Behrens has reflected on the professional consequences of a homophobic remark made two years ago. In an interview with the Swiss portal ‘blue Sport’, the 35-year-old striker discussed the fallout from an incident in October 2024 while he was playing for VfL Wolfsburg.

During an internal signing event, Behrens refused to sign a special jersey promoting diversity and tolerance, reportedly using a homophobic slur. Although he apologized and did not face a fine or suspension from his club at the time, Behrens noted that the incident made it significantly harder to find new clubs in Germany. He stated, ‘At many clubs, the door was closed; they did not want to take on a problem.’

Due to the lack of alternatives in the Bundesliga, Behrens moved to Switzerland to join FC Lugano in the summer of 2025. He has since found success there, scoring 21 goals in 48 competitive matches, despite acknowledging that he must live with the lasting reputation resulting from his ‘stupid statement’.