Mainz 05's experienced midfielder Dominik Kohr has spoken openly about dealing with online hate in a new podcast. The 32-year-old discussed the darker sides of his profession and the personal consequences with host Marco Heisel on 'Jenseits des Erfolges'. The conversation was recorded and published by Bild.
Kohr, who has played for the Bundesliga club since 2021, is known for his tough tackling. In the concluded 2025 season, where Mainz 05 finished 9th with 33 points, he set an unwanted record. The defender received nine dismissals, consisting of three straight red cards and six second yellows. This makes him one of the most frequently sent-off players in the league. His tally of 108 yellow cards in 335 Bundesliga appearances since his 2012 debut for Leverkusen is close to the all-time record held by Stefan Effenberg (114).
How does Kohr handle hate messages?
Dominik Kohr manages his social media channels, including Instagram, himself. This brings him into direct contact with negative comments and messages. "Ich mache mein Instagram weiterhin selbst. Na klar sieht man dann die Kommentare unter den Bildern und was für Nachrichtenanfragen geschickt werden", said the Mainz professional. His reaction to this has changed. He has built an emotional barrier. "Ich habe mir mittlerweile eine Schutzhülle um mich herum gebaut. Sonst hast du in diesem Geschäft auch nichts verloren."
He sometimes publishes the hate messages or replies to the senders. Apologies often follow the next day, justified by emotions or alcohol. Kohr finds these justifications unhelpful afterward. He admits to making mistakes on the pitch. Football decisions have to be made in seconds, and the outcome can vary. But the constant criticism and hate have changed him.
Why does Kohr draw a clear line regarding his family?
The Mainz player sets an absolute limit when it comes to his family. Dominik Kohr is married to his wife Melissa and is a father of two children. He accepts personal criticism of his sporting performance, but he completely shields his wife and children. He cannot comprehend hate directed at photos with his children or family. These attacks go too far for him.
His role as a family man and the responsibility that comes with it also influence his view of public perception. The constant confrontation with negativity has led him to seek a clear separation between his career and private life. This protective mechanism is vital for him in the world of professional football.
What is Kohr's stance on media coverage?
The defensive player is also critical of parts of the press. He has the impression that some media representatives are just waiting for his mistakes to exploit them. Kohr believes he is an easy target for some. In the last two years, he says he has perceived nothing positive about himself from the media. That's why he no longer reads newspapers or other media. It's not always easy to distance himself from it, but he manages.
This distance helps him focus on what's essential. That includes preparation for the new season. Mainz 05 ended the 2025 campaign with 35 goals scored and 44 conceded. The club finished 43 points behind champions Bayern Munich. The recent form before the season start shows positive trends with a LWWWD record from the final five games of last season.
What does this mean for the upcoming season?
For Dominik Kohr and Mainz 05, the focus is now fully on the sporting restart. The first official test is the home match against SC Paderborn 07 on 29 August 2026. Preparation is underway, and the team wants to correct the mistakes of the past season. The complete schedule for the upcoming competitive matches can be viewed on our fixtures page.
Kohr will continue to play a central role in Mainz 05's defense with his experience and combativeness. His handling of external pressure remains a defining factor. The full team statistics and further squad details are available on our squad overview. The 32-year-old's personal protection strategy will accompany him in the coming weeks as he aims to give everything for Mainz 05 on the pitch.
