The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Jurgen Klopp as the new head coach of the country’s men’s national football team.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Friday, the DFB announced that Klopp will officially assume the role on August 15.
The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager succeeds Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after Germany’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Die Mannschaft were eliminated in the round of 32 after losing 4-3 on penalties to a South American opponent following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The DFB had signalled its intention to appoint Klopp shortly after Germany’s World Cup exit, paving the way for Nagelsmann’s departure and opening negotiations with the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
Klopp joins the national team after leaving his position as Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, which oversees football operations at clubs including Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig.
To secure his release, the DFB agreed to pay €1 million to the Wings for Life Foundation and committed to staging three Germany national team matches in Leipzig before the end of 2030.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said Red Bull’s willingness to release Klopp reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the German national team.
“What Oliver Mintzlaff and Red Bull have made possible here demonstrates how professionally and effectively sports can collaborate when both sides pursue the same goal: a strong German national team. I am extremely grateful for this,” Neuendorf said.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments at Red Bull, admitted he was initially reluctant to lose Klopp but said supporting German football ultimately took priority.
“I wasn’t particularly happy when Jürgen contacted me with the intention of taking over as national team coach,” he said.
“Nevertheless, I consulted with my fellow managing directors Franz Watzlawick and Alexander Kirchmayr, and together we came to the conclusion that we needed a decisive solution so that Jürgen could fully concentrate on his role at the DFB.
“The opportunity to support Germany during a challenging period and to take on one of the most important roles in German football is of great significance to him.
“The discussions with Jürgen and the association were always based on trust, partnership, and a clear objective. We wish him and the DFB every success in this important new chapter.”
Klopp is regarded as one of Germany’s most successful managers of the modern era. During his seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund, he guided the club to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. He later enjoyed a trophy-laden eight-and-a-half-year tenure at Liverpool, winning the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years as well as the UEFA Champions League.
