Per Mertesacker Lands German FA Managing Director Role After Arsenal Exit

Former Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker has been appointed as the new managing director for sport at the German Football Association (DFB), marking a significant return to the national football setup.

The DFB confirmed on Friday that the 41-year-old will replace Andreas Rettig in the senior administrative role.

Mertesacker has signed a contract that will keep him with the German FA until the conclusion of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

However, he will officially assume office on January 1, 2027.

His appointment comes just months after leaving Arsenal, where he served in various coaching and development capacities following his retirement from professional football.

Most recently, he worked as the academy manager at the Premier League club, overseeing the development of young players and helping shape Arsenal’s youth programme.

The former defender enjoyed a successful playing career with Germany, winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup before retiring from international football.

At club level, he represented Hannover 96, Werder Bremen and Arsenal, where he won multiple domestic trophies and later transitioned into coaching and football administration.

In his new position, Mertesacker will oversee sporting operations within the German FA, including responsibility for the senior national teams and the country’s football academy structure.

The role places him at the centre of Germany’s long-term football strategy as the federation seeks to strengthen player development and improve performances across all national teams.

His appointment forms part of a broader restructuring within German football.

It also coincides with the arrival of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who was unveiled on Friday as the new head coach of the German national team.

The pairing of Klopp and Mertesacker is expected to usher in a new era for German football following recent efforts to rebuild the national programme.

The German FA believes Mertesacker’s experience as a World Cup winner, former international and youth development specialist makes him well suited for the position.

His administrative background at Arsenal, combined with his understanding of elite football, is expected to contribute to the federation’s long-term objectives.

Mertesacker will spend the coming months preparing for the transition before formally taking over the role at the beginning of 2027 as Germany continues its preparations for future international competitions, including the 2030 FIFA World Cu