Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named the global head of soccer at Red Bull, effective January 1, 2025.
After nearly 25 years in coaching, the 57-year-old German expressed his enthusiasm for the new opportunity, stating, “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.”
Red Bull owns several soccer clubs, including RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg, Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, and Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino. Earlier this year, the energy drinks brand also acquired a minority stake in Championship club Leeds United and became its front-of-shirt sponsor.
In his new position, Klopp will not be involved in day-to-day operations but will provide guidance on team playing philosophy, transfer strategies, and coaching development. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, praised Klopp, saying, “Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma. In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game-changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.”
Klopp enjoyed a successful tenure at Liverpool, winning eight trophies in nine years, including the Premier League and the Champions League, before stepping down at the end of last season. His managerial journey began at Mainz in 2001, followed by a successful stint at Borussia Dortmund, where he secured two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final. After resigning in May 2015 for a sabbatical, he returned to management to take over at Anfield in October of that year.
Red Bull has also made significant investments in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsports, and Formula 1, with Red Bull Racing currently holding both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
A press conference to formally announce Klopp’s appointment is scheduled for mid-January.
