Per Mertesacker to become DFB Managing Director of Sport from January 2027

Published Jul 25, 08:52 AM UTC

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Per Mertesacker, former German national team player and Arsenal defender, is set to become the DFB (German Football Association) Managing Director of Sport starting January 1, 2027. The announcement, reported by BILD Sport on July 25, 2026, outlines Mertesacker's plans to reform German football. His appointment aims to bring structural changes to the DFB, focusing on youth development, coaching standards, and overall performance improvement. Mertesacker's vision includes modernizing the federation's approach to talent identification and fostering a stronger competitive culture. The move is seen as a significant step in revitalizing German football after recent underperformances in international tournaments.

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Source

BILD - SportWestern

Original headline: Zukunft des deutschen Fußballs - So will Mertesacker den DFB verändern

Original language: DE

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Per Mertesacker Appointed German Football Association Sporting Director

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People and interests

Germany