Andreas Rettig will step down as sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB) when his current contract expires at the end of the year. The 57-year-old informed the federation’s board of his decision during Thursday’s meeting, confirming he will not seek an extension for personal reasons.
Rettig had already alerted DFB president Bernd Neuendorf to his intentions before the start of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. This early notification allows the governing body time to prepare for the upcoming leadership change and manage an orderly transition. He has held the sporting director position since 2023, meaning his tenure will span less than two years.
Double Vacancy at DFB
The announcement adds to a turbulent phase for German football’s governing body. Rettig’s departure follows the resignation of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, leaving the DFB facing simultaneous vacancies in its two most senior footballing positions.
The dual exits force the federation into a significant restructuring exercise ahead of the next international cycle. Rettig has overseen sporting operations during a challenging period for the national team setup.
Future Direction
As the DFB prepares for new leadership, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is considered likely to become Germany’s next head coach. The vacancy offers Klopp an opportunity to take the national team role following his departure from Anfield.
The federation must now move swiftly to appoint both a new sporting director and a permanent head coach as it looks to stabilise the national team programme. The changes represent the most significant overhaul of Germany’s football leadership in recent years.