Hoeneß Endorses Mertesacker for DFB Post
Bayern Munich supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß has publicly backed former Germany defender Per Mertesacker to fill a key vacancy at the German Football Association (DFB). The World Cup winner has emerged as a leading candidate to become the governing body’s next managing director for sport when Andreas Rettig departs at the year’s end.
Rettig’s resignation forms part of a comprehensive restructuring at the DFB following Germany’s disappointing round of 32 exit at the World Cup. The association is seeking new leadership across multiple departments to revitalise its operations after the tournament failure.
Mertesacker’s Credentials
Mertesacker, who earned 104 caps for Germany and lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014, recently concluded an eight-year tenure as Arsenal’s academy director. He left the Premier League club voluntarily earlier this summer, having established a reputation for developing young talent and maintaining stable academy operations.
The 41-year-old has since expressed openness to returning to German football’s governing body. Speaking to ZDF, he indicated his willingness to serve. “At some point, working for the DFB and giving something back to German football, which I owe so much to, appeals to me. I would of course be available for that,” he said.
Hoeneß’s Assessment
Hoeneß believes Mertesacker possesses the ideal qualities for the administrative role. “Everything Per Mertesacker says on television has substance. He is never offensive, yet he remains critical,” he told Bild. “If you have been at Arsenal for eight years, you have to be capable – and that is exactly what we need now.”
The Bayern Munich figurehead highlighted Mertesacker’s international experience and interpersonal abilities. He noted that the former defender would be motivated by the challenge of building something meaningful rather than financial gain, describing him as exactly the type of figure required to move the organisation forward.
Broader DFB Restructuring
The managing director appointment represents one of several significant changes at the DFB. Julian Nagelsmann has already departed as head coach, with Jürgen Klopp widely expected to assume control of the national team in the coming period.
The new managing director for sport will inherit responsibility for overseeing Germany’s footballing infrastructure during a critical transition phase. Mertesacker’s potential arrival would combine extensive experience from elite playing environments with proven administrative capabilities developed during his London tenure.
With Rettig’s departure confirmed for December, the DFB must move swiftly to secure his replacement and establish a clear leadership structure ahead of the next international cycle.