Official: Dortmund extend with promising defensive talent until 2029

Borussia Dortmund has extended the contract of promising 18-year-old talent Elias Benkara until June 30, 2029.

>Benkara, who has been part of Dortmund's youth academy since 2021, will thus enter his sixth season with BVB this summer.

>In the current season, Benkara has made nine appearances for the U-19 team and a further ten for the U-23s in Regionalliga West.

>In December 2024, he was even included in the first-team squad for the Champions League home match against FC Barcelona.

>The Frankfurt native, who was even approached by Eintracht, received his first call-up to the Algerian national team in November 2025.

>“The contract extension with Elias confirms our approach of promoting talent from our own youth academy.

>“We are delighted that he will continue on this path with us," explained Ingo Preuß, sporting director of BVB's U-23 team.