Mertesacker to become DFB sporting director January 2027

Per Mertesacker is set to become the DFB’s managing director of sport, taking up the role on January 1, 2027, with a contract through the 2030 World Cup and replacing Andreas Rettig. The appointment comes as part of a broader DFB overhaul that includes Jürgen Klopp as national team coach, with a focus on strengthening ties between the senior team and youth development, leveraging Mertesacker’s Arsenal academy experience.