DFB appoints Per Mertesacker as sports director, takes office in January 2027

Published Jul 24, 06:12 AM UTC

According to exclusive reporting by German Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the German Football Association (DFB) has reached a full agreement with former World Cup winner Per Mertesacker to become its new Sports Director. Mertesacker, a key member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, will succeed Andreas Rettig in January 2027. He is expected to sign a contract lasting until the 2030 World Cup, with the official announcement also anticipated today. Unlike Jürgen Klopp, who was previously linked to the role, Mertesacker will not attend a related press event in Frankfurt. The appointment marks a significant leadership change for German football as it prepares for future international competitions.