Völler Extends DFB Sporting Director Role Through Euro 2028 Amid Klopp Era

Rudi Völler will continue in his capacity as the German Football Association (DFB) sporting director, having extended his contract through to UEFA Euro 2028Competition·UEFA Euro 2028. The decision, unanimously approved by the DFB GmbH & Co. KG supervisory board and the association's shareholders' meeting in April 2025, ensures a steady hand in the national team's sporting direction during a period of significant transition.

Völler's commitment aligns his tenure with the newly appointed national team coach, Jürgen Klopp, who has recently taken the reins from Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann. This move underscores the DFB's strategic intent to foster stability and long-term planning as Germany prepares for upcoming international tournaments.

The extension comes after a period of introspection for the German national team. Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann, who had initially extended his contract until Euro 2028 in January 2025, departed his role following Germany's disappointing exit in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup. The team had topped Group E, securing victories against CuraçaoTeam·Curaçao and Côte d'IvoireTeam·Côte d'Ivoire, but a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay marked their earliest World Cup exit in history.

Jürgen Klopp has since been confirmed as the new Bundestrainer, with negotiations between the DFB and Red BullTeam·Red Bull, Klopp's previous employer as Global Head of Soccer, currently underway to finalize his release and contract details. Völler's continued presence is expected to be instrumental in supporting Klopp as he embarks on this new chapter.

DFB President Bernd NeuendorfCoach·Bernd Neuendorf highlighted Völler's pivotal contribution to the national team's resurgence.

"Rudi Völler has played and continues to play a key role, helping oversee Germany's return to form following three disappointing major tournaments in succession. His work is of major significance to the national team head coach and his players, as well as the entire DFB. Therefore, I was personally keen to see the contracts of both Julian and Rudi extended. A certain excitement when watching Germany play appears to have returned during their tenures. As the saying goes, you should 'never change a winning team,' so I am pleased that we can continue in this stead"— Bernd Neuendorf.

Völler himself expressed his enthusiasm for the extended role, reflecting on the journey with the national team.

"I have formed a special connection with the national team and everyone associated. The excitement of hosting the European Championship here in Germany, as well as working in collaboration with Julian Nagelsmann, played a major part in that. I am really looking forward to continuing the work with Julian and his team in the lead up to the next EUROs. Our aim is to recapture both sporting glory and the hearts of the German fans. We have already come a long way but haven't yet reached where we want to be"— Rudi Völler.

While Völler's quote references working with Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann, it reflects the sentiment at the time of his contract extension in April 2025, prior to Nagelsmann's departure. Völler had also confirmed in September 2025 that he would not extend his contract beyond 2028, signaling his commitment to the current term.

Germany's recent competitive performances under Nagelsmann included topping their 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup qualification group with five wins from six matches and reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 UEFA Nations League, where they lost to Portugal. Völler's ongoing leadership will be crucial in navigating the team through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the 2028 European Championship on the horizon.