Per Mertesacker Named New Sport Director at Deutscher Fußball-Bund

The Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) has officially announced Per Mertesacker as its new Geschäftsführer Sport (sport director), with his tenure set to begin on January 1, 2027. This appointment comes alongside the simultaneous introduction of Jürgen Klopp as the new head coach of the German national team. Mertesacker succeeds Andreas Rettig, who will assist him during the transition period until the end of the year. Discussions about Mertesacker’s long-term contract had been ongoing since 2024, and the DFB has confirmed a lasting collaboration.

Mertesacker, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, takes on a pivotal leadership role within the national football framework, tasked with shaping the sport's future in Germany. Andreas Rettig, the current Geschäftsführer Sport, will provide guidance as Mertesacker settles into his new responsibilities.

The announcement underscores a significant restructuring within the DFB, signaling a new era in German football management. These changes coincide with additional staffing adjustments, such as Sven Bender joining the national team’s coaching staff under Klopp, showcasing a broader effort to strengthen the national squad's leadership.

This appointment marks a strategic investment by the DFB in experienced, former players transitioning into executive roles, reflecting their commitment to fostering continuity and expertise within the organization. The DFB's move has been positively noted as a step toward reinforcing the national team's competitive edge on the international stage.