The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker as its new Managing Director for Sport, with the ex-defender set to take up the role on January 1, 2027.
Mertesacker, 41, replaces Andreas Rettig and has signed a contract that will run until the conclusion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
In his new position, the former centre-back will oversee Germany’s national teams and the country’s football academy, playing a key role in shaping the nation’s football development strategy.
The appointment marks Mertesacker’s return to German football after ending his stint as Arsenal’s academy manager earlier this year, where he was credited with nurturing several young talents.
His appointment is part of the DFB’s broader restructuring efforts ahead of upcoming international tournaments.
Mertesacker will also work alongside newly appointed Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp as the federation seeks to strengthen its football programme and restore the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.
