Rudi Völler to remain DFB sport director through 2028 after Klopp‑backed talks

Jan‑Christian Müller, a reporter for Absolut‑Fussball, explained his personal connection with DFB sport director Rudi Völler, whom he has known since the mid‑1980s. Völler’s contract runs to 2028, and after Germany’s early exit from the World Cup his continuation at the federation was uncertain.

Müller said decisive discussions with senior DFB officials, especially a phone call from Bayern Munich coach Jürgen Klopp, convinced Völler to stay. Backing from DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and secretary‑general Aki Watzke further secured his decision. Völler also signalled he will help oversee the federation’s personnel restructuring and may mentor a future successor, naming former international Per Mertesacker as a possible candidate.