Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, is making a comeback in football as the head of global soccer at Red Bull. Starting his new role on January 1, 2025, Klopp will be overseeing Red Bull’s network of clubs, providing strategic vision, supporting the sporting directors, aiding the global scouting operation, and assisting in the training and development of coaches. This marks Klopp’s official return to football after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season following a successful nine-year tenure at Anfield.
With extensive experience managing clubs like Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, Klopp will now be working across Red Bull’s portfolio of clubs, including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino, and Omiya Ardija in Japan. FC Salzburg, managed by Klopp’s former assistant coach Pep Lijnders, has distanced itself from Red Bull’s ownership due to UEFA rules.
Expressing his excitement about this new venture, Klopp stated, “After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this. The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.” He emphasized his desire to develop, improve, and support the football talent within Red Bull’s reach by leveraging the elite knowledge and experience of the organization.
Klopp’s impressive track record includes Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and a Premier League title with Liverpool, ending a 30-year drought. He has also claimed the FA Cup, Champions League, and League Cup titles during his coaching career. Red Bull’s CEO of corporate projects and investments, Oliver Mintzlaff, praised Klopp as a significant signing for the organization, highlighting his influence and skills in the soccer world.
Despite initially planning to take a break from management, Klopp’s passion for the game has led him back to a leadership role at Red Bull. He will be succeeding Ralf Rangnick in this position and is expected to bring valuable insights and innovations to the organization’s international soccer involvement. Klopp’s unveiling is set for mid-January, and his contract reportedly includes a break clause if the opportunity to coach the Germany men’s national team arises after the 2026 World Cup.
In summary, Jürgen Klopp’s appointment as the head of global soccer at Red Bull signifies a new chapter in his illustrious coaching career. His wealth of experience, success on the field, and passion for the game will undoubtedly contribute to the development and growth of Red Bull’s soccer portfolio on a global scale.
