Rudi Völler Announces He Will Step Down as DFB Sporting Director After the 2026 World Cup

The legendary German striker Rudi Völler, current sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB), has announced that he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview with the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Völler revealed that he originally planned to retire earlier, but the continuity of head coach Julian Nagelsmann was key to his decision to stay until the next World Cup.

Völler, a Pillar of German Football

Rudi Völler took over as sporting director of the DFB after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and one of his most important decisions was hiring Nagelsmann following the dismissal of Hansi Flick. During his tenure, he has been a key figure for the team, providing experience and stability during times of change.

“I have always felt a great responsibility towards the national team,” Völler commented. “Although I originally wanted to step down earlier, the team’s continuity and the future of the squad motivated me to stay until 2026.”

The Final Stage Before Goodbye

The next World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be Völler’s final stage as sporting director. His departure will mark the end of a leadership period defined by his commitment to developing German football and his effort to return the team to the global elite after a period of ups and downs.

An Impressive Legacy

Völler is one of the most important figures in the history of German football, not only for his role as an executive but also for his legendary playing career, which included being part of the team that won the 1990 World Cup. Now, his focus is on helping the national team make a strong showing in the upcoming World Cup.

What’s Next for Germany?

With Völler’s announcement, the DFB will need to start planning his succession while continuing the preparation process for the 2026 World Cup. The stability he has provided will be a key point to maintain in the coming years, and his departure will leave a significant void that the federation must carefully fill.

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