Dynamo Dresden's Lars Bünning speaks publicly for first time since brain hemorrhage: 'Fight back to life'

Public message after two months

On Saturday, Dynamo Dresden held their season-opening event at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, including a test match against Union Berlin. The highlight was a video message from defender Lars Bünning, his first public communication since suffering a life-threatening brain hemorrhage roughly two months ago. The 28-year-old had shared the video on Instagram earlier, and it was played on the stadium's big screen.

The last weeks were probably the most difficult weeks of my whole life so far. All the nicer it was for my family and me to see that you all are fighting this fight back to life together with me.

He added that his rehabilitation is going very well, he is making progress every day, and he will soon be allowed to return to Dresden. He said he is incredibly looking forward to meeting fans in the stadium and celebrating Dynamo victories together.

The medical emergency

The brain hemorrhage occurred a few days after the final match of last season. The club announced in early July that Bünning had suffered a spontaneous hemorrhage without external cause and required emergency surgery. The operation was successful, and he was subsequently treated in intensive care. Dynamo's sporting director Sören Gonther described the moment as an "absolute shock" in which football completely receded into the background.

Team and fan solidarity

Since the start of pre-season, Dynamo's players have worn Bünning's image on their jersey sleeves with the words "Gemeinsam kämpfen!" (Fight together!). At the season opener, captain Niklas Hauptmann said the video message was the most important part of the day.

The video message from Lars was the most important thing today. That was really very special and gave us a good feeling.

Coach Thomas Stamm explained that the club wanted the family to decide together with Lars when to share an update, and that it was important for everyone to be brought up to date. He cautioned that Bünning's return to football will be a "long, long road." Former teammate Terrence Boyd, now at Waldhof Mannheim, commented on Instagram: "We love you, Lars Bünning!"

Career and outlook

Bünning joined Dynamo Dresden from 1. FC Kaiserslautern in 2023 and was a regular starter as the club won promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. Last season he lost his starting place, making only two brief appearances in the second half of the campaign. He was considered a possible transfer candidate but holds a contract until 2027. No timeline has been given for his return to playing.