Mertesacker will become the new Sports Managing Director for the German Football Association (DFB) starting January 1, 2027. The 2014 World Cup champion will succeed Andreas Rettig, whose contract is set to expire at the end of 2026. The DFB announced on Friday that Mertesacker will be responsible for both the National Teams and the Academy.
Before taking on this leadership role, Mertesacker gained significant experience in talent development and youth coaching when he took charge of the Arsenal Academy in 2018 after concluding his playing career. Throughout his career as a player, he represented Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, and the Premier League club Arsenal.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf described Mertesacker as one of the “outstanding personalities” in German football, citing his professional expertise and leadership skills as reasons making him an “excellent fit” for the Sports Managing Director position. Mertesacker himself expressed his excitement about the new assignment and the associated responsibility.
