"I prefer Thomas Krahn," Marco's mother said finally.
Marco also nodded in agreement. 'Even though Krahn was from a small firm and may not have enough influence in the circle, the man seemed honest. He probably wouldn't push me into things just for the sake of profit.'
'More importantly I don't need Mendes of Riola level super agents just to sign a youth contract. I can also switch agents if the situation requires.'
"So do I," his father agreed. "But let's call those references. Due diligence."
They spent Saturday morning on the phone, talking to three of Krahn's clients—all players in their twenties, all speaking highly of his character, work ethic, and honest advice.
"He told me not to move to a bigger club when I was nineteen," one player said. "Said I wasn't ready, that I needed more development time. I was angry at him. Thought he was holding me back. But he was right. Two years later, I moved to the Bundesliga properly prepared. He saved my career."
By Saturday evening, the decision was clear.
Sunday morning, Marco's father called Krahn. "We'd like you to represent Marco."
"I'm honored," Krahn replied. "I'll draft the representation agreement today. We can meet tomorrow to sign, then approach Dortmund about Marco's contract."
* * * *
Monday, March 1st, 2005.
The day had arrived.
Marco woke early, the significance of the date heavy in his mind. Seven months ago—August 1st, 2004—he'd woken up in this body, desperate, facing release from the academy.
Now he was signing his first professional contract.
His parents had stayed in Dortmund over the weekend, wanting to be present for this moment. They arrived at the academy at 9 AM, meeting Krahn in the parking lot.
"How are you feeling, son? Are you ready?" Krahn observed Marco.
"I think I am."
"Let's go then."
They walked into the administrative building together—Marco, his parents, and his new agent. Coach Werner and Herr Schulz were waiting in the conference room, contracts laid out on the table.
"Ah, Krahn," Werner said, recognizing him. "Good choice. I've heard solid things about your work."
"Thank you, sir." Krahn shook hands professionally, then sat down and pulled out his reading glasses.
"Shall we review the contract?"
For the next hour, Krahn went through every clause with meticulous care:
Contract Terms:
-Duration: 3 years (March 1, 2005 - June 30, 2008)
-Salary: €800 per month
-Squad Number: To be assigned (likely #36 or similar)
-Promotion Clause: If promoted to senior squad, salary renegotiated
-Image Rights: 70% player, 30% club
Release Clause: None
-Educational Support: Club provides tutoring for school completion
-Housing: Continued dormitory accommodation
Krahn negotiated two small changes: better educational support language and clearer promotion clause terms. Dortmund agreed readily—the contract was fair, both sides knew it.
Finally, Herr Schulz slid the final version across the table. "Marco Reus, this is your first professional contract with Borussia Dortmund. Please read the final version, and if everything is acceptable, sign at the bottom."
Marco picked up the pen—a nice one, provided by the club specifically for this moment—and read through the final page one more time.
This contract, entered into on March 1, 2005, between Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA and Marco Reus (born May 31, 1989), hereby establishes the terms of professional employment...
His hand was steady as he signed his name at the bottom.
His parents signed as witnesses, given his age.
Krahn signed as his representative.
Schulz and Werner signed for the club.
Done.
It's official.
Marco Reus was now a professional footballer.
Werner stood, extending his hand with a genuine smile. "Welcome to Borussia Dortmund, Marco. Officially, this time. We're proud to have you."
"Thank you, Coach. I won't let you down."
Werner pulled out a jersey from behind his chair—a Dortmund training jersey with #36 on the back and REUS across the shoulders. "This will be your squad number. Wear it well."
Marco took the jersey, feeling its weight. This was real. Tangible. Official.
Schulz produced a camera. "Photo for the records. And probably for your parents."
They took several: Marco with the jersey, Marco with his parents, Marco with Werner and Krahn, the full group around the conference table. Official documentation of the moment that changed everything.
After the signing, Marco's parents took him to lunch—just the three of them, a quiet meal at a local restaurant.
"Your father and I are so proud," his mother said, squeezing his hand across the table. "Everything you've accomplished..."
"It's just the beginning," his father said pragmatically. "This contract is three years. You're fifteen now. By the time it ends, you'll be eighteen. That's when the real decisions come—whether you make the first team, whether you get a senior contract, whether this becomes a real career."
"I know, Papa."
"But for now?" His father smiled. "For now, celebrate. You've earned this."
That evening, back at the academy, Tim and several other players threw an impromptu celebration in the common room for those who got to sign their first professional contract. After all, he wasn't the only one who got selected.
Someone had smuggled in a cake that said "PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS" in icing. It was excessive and slightly embarrassing, but he went with the crowd anyway.
"Speech!" Tim demanded, and others took up the chant. Every one who got selected had to give an impromptu speech.
Marco went last. He stood awkwardly, suddenly the center of attention. "Uh, thanks everyone. I... this has been a crazy six months. I couldn't have done it without the support here—coaches, teammates, friends. So, thanks. And, uh, now we have to clean up this cake before someone finds out."
Later, alone in his room, Marco pulled up his personal notebook and wrote:
✓ Avoided Academy Release
✓ Professional Contract Secured
✓ Germany U17 Provisional Squad Member
✓ Agent Representation
#Skills at Elite Youth Level:
- Through Balls: 9.1/10
- Cut Inside Move: 9.0/10
- First Touch: 8.3/10
- Game Reading: 8.2/10
- Tactical Understanding: 8.5/10
#Next Objectives:
- March 10: U17 National Team Reconvenes
- 2005-06 Season: Establish as U17 starter
- 2006-07: Move to U19/Reserve team
- Long-term: First team breakthrough
The foundation is built. Now comes the real work.
Marco closed the book and lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Seven months. That's how long it had taken to transform from terrified teenager facing release to professional footballer with a national team future.
The system had helped—the body optimization preventing injuries, the skill tracking providing focus, the guidance accelerating his development. But the work had been his. Every training session, every rep, every moment of pushing through fatigue and doubt.
He'd earned this.
But his father was right: this was just the beginning. A three-year youth contract didn't guarantee anything. Plenty of players signed youth contracts and never made it to the senior squad, never played a single Bundesliga match, faded into lower leagues or quit football entirely.
Marco had no intention of being one of those players.
He pulled out the #36 jersey Werner had given him, running his fingers over the embroidered number and name. REUS. His name. On an official Dortmund jersey.
His phone buzzed. A text from Mesut Özil:
Hey, champ. Heard you signed your contract. Congrats.
Marco replied: Thanks. See you at the camp then.
Another text, this one from Krahn:
Congratulations, Marco. First contract signed. Many more to come. Rest this weekend, then back to work. The hard part is just beginning.
Marco smiled at that. Krahn understood. This wasn't the end of anything—it was the beginning of everything.
He set his phone aside and closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion of the day catch up to him.