Rudi Völler will no longer continue with the DFB in 2028. © APA/afp / INA FASSBENDER

Rudi Völler will retire from the DFB at the end of 2028

Rudi Völler will not extend his contract as sporting director of the German Football Association, which expires after the 2028 European Championship.

September 28, 2025

From: dpa

The 65-year-old said this in an interview with the magazine Star announced. "I've already extended my contract twice. After the summer of 2028, it's really over," said Völler, who took office at the beginning of 2023.

He's not worried that retirement will be difficult, emphasized the 1990 World Cup winner, who led the German national team to the final of the 2002 World Cup as team manager. "I've had a long career, I can let go. Football will always play a role at home," said Völler.

Despite the fourth and last place finish at the Nations League finals and the rocky start to World Cup qualifying, Völler had high praise for national coach Julian Nagelsmann. "We can be happy that Julian is our national coach. Winning him over is the best thing I've achieved at the DFB in recent years," said Völler, who also sees it as his job to convey calm, especially after setbacks.

World Cup team from 1990 meets

The former goalscorer announced that the 1990 World Cup-winning team will soon meet for a few days. Andreas Brehme, who converted a penalty won by Völler in the final in Rome to secure a 1-0 victory against Argentina, and Frank Mill will be absent. The two former players have since passed away. "Relatives of the deceased will also be there. We will remember them," Völler announced. The team's then-manager, Franz Beckenbauer, is also no longer alive.