Former DFB pro Kevin Behrens: Controversy weighs, success at Lugano

Former DFB professional Kevin Behrens, who has been playing for FC Lugano since the summer of 2025, looks back on an incident that caused a stir in Germany exactly two years ago, when he made a homophobic remark during an internal signing session at VfL Wolfsburg.

The incident at VfL Wolfsburg

In October 2024 the then Bundesliga striker refused to sign a special jersey for diversity and tolerance, and said: “I’m not signing that gay shit.” He subsequently apologized, but received neither a fine nor a suspension from the club.

Reflection in the interview

In a conversation with the Swiss portal blue Sport, the now 35‑year‑old former international explained that the remark significantly hampered his search for a new club in Germany. “Many clubs then shut the door; they didn’t want to add a problem,” Behrens said. He emphasized that it was a foolish statement in the internal context and that he takes responsibility for it.

New start at FC Lugano

Due to a lack of options in the Bundesliga, Behrens moved to Switzerland in the summer of 2025 to join FC Lugano. There he has so far scored 21 goals in 48 league matches, immediately making an impact.

In January of the same year, during a friendly against Viktoria Pilsen, Behrens was again criticised when he attacked teammate Georgios Koutsias and called him a “little freak”. He also apologized for this outburst and avoided a suspension.

In the current season Behrens scored two goals in the first three games, but at the end of August he suffered an injury and has been absent since. Despite his absence he remains a key player for Lugano.

Lugano currently sit at the top of the Swiss Super League, underscoring the former professional’s successful fresh start.