Borussia Düsseldorf have announced the signing of Chinese superstar FAN Zhendong, one of the most decorated players in modern table tennis. The Paris 2024 Olympic singles champion has agreed a one-year contract for the 2026/2027 season, joining from German league rivals 1. FC Saarbrücken.
Fan will arrive in Düsseldorf on 1 July 2026, strengthening a squad that already features Dang QIU, Anton KÄLLBERG, Kanak JHA, and Li YONGYIN. His move comes one year after the retirement of club legend Timo BOLL, whose legacy remains closely tied to the club.
At 29, FAN Zhendong is among the most successful players of his generation. A nine-time World Champion and former world number one for more than 250 weeks, he crowned his career with Olympic gold in singles and team events in Paris 2024. He has also claimed 34 ITTF/WTT Tour singles titles and numerous major international trophies.
Despite stepping away from international competition at the end of 2024, FAN remains highly competitive, recently winning the Chinese National Games, defeating leading players such as WANG Chuqin and LIN Shidong.
Former Borussia Düsseldorf star Timo BOLL, who played for the club for 18 years and now serves as an ambassador, welcomed the move:
“Fan Zhendong wants to experience Germany and the Bundesliga, and his popularity will bring global attention to the league. His move to Düsseldorf is a logical step, this is where the heart of table tennis beats.”
FAN Zhendong also expressed gratitude to his current club and excitement about the next chapter:
“I am very grateful to Saarbrücken for giving me the opportunity to start my journey in the TTBL. Now I feel a special connection to Borussia Düsseldorf, the club where my friend Timo BOLL built such an impressive legacy. I look forward to supporting the team and it is an honour to follow in his footsteps.”
Borussia Düsseldorf manager Andreas PREUSS described the signing as a landmark moment for the club:
“FAN is our absolute dream player and a huge enrichment for our team and the entire club. He is a global star and an exceptional sports personality. It is a great honour for us that an Olympic champion will play for Borussia Düsseldorf.”
