After an incredible 20-year journey with Borussia Dortmund, club legend Marcel Schmelzer has officially parted ways with the club, stepping away from his role with the U23 team to take a well-deserved break.

The 38-year-old, who was part of Daniel Rios' coaching staff, made the difficult decision to prioritize his family. "I personally have planned this for a long time," Schmelzer told Ruhr Nachrichten. "Even those responsible knew that I was taking a break after the end of the contract to take care of the family. That's exactly my priority now."

Schmelzer's departure came as a surprise to many fans, but it was a move he had been contemplating for months. He first joined Dortmund's coaching ranks with the U17 squad before being promoted to the U23 team in 2024. While he hasn't confirmed whether he'll return to the club or how long his break will last, reports from Kicker indicate he's still working toward obtaining his UEFA A coaching license.

The two-time Bundesliga winner was honored alongside physiotherapist Daniel Zolinski before the U23s' final home game of the season against Köln, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Dortmund II currently sit fourth in the Regionalliga West, level on points with third-placed Schalke II and fifth-placed Borussia Mönchengladbach II. Young talents like Luca Reggiani, Filippo Mane, and Samuele Inácio have also seen first-team action this season.

For fans of the black and yellow, Schmelzer's legacy is undeniable. He spent his entire playing career at Dortmund, making 367 appearances across all competitions. Beyond the back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, he also lifted the DFB-Pokal three times, cementing his status as a true fan favorite and one of the club's most loyal servants.

As Schmelzer takes time for himself and his family, Dortmund supporters will undoubtedly hope this isn't the last they've seen of him in the Signal Iduna Park dugout.