Former Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Appointed Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull

Liverpool cult hero Jurgen Klopp has made a swift return to football after stepping down from his managerial gig with Liverpool. However, it’s not a coaching at an elite club, instead Klopp has been appointed as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer. The 57-year-old German begin his new job from 1st January 2025.

Following this announcement, Jurgen Klopp will oversee Red Bull’s vast network of clubs around the world – which includes the likes of RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, RB Bragantino and New York Red Bulls. Although Klopp will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the clubs, the German will play a huge role in aiding sporting directors, supporting their global scouting network, and also help with training and developing coaches. In general, the vastly experienced German will help with the “strategic vision” of Red Bull’s footballing operations. 

This role will be Klopp’s first job since leaving Liverpool in the summer, following a super successful nine-year stint. Before Liverpool, Klopp also enjoyed great success with Borussia Dortmund and Mainz. And notably, he's one of the few managers who has never been sacked. So, for the Red Bull Football Group, securing Klopp's services is a major win. In this role, he will oversee a number of clubs within their portfolio, including RB Leipzig, New York Red Bulls, and Red Bull Bragantino. However, FC Salzburg, currently led by Klopp's former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, have chosen to distance itself from this branch of the organization due to certain UEFA regulations. 

Jurgen Klopp seems to be very enthusiastic about his new role away from the touchline. Following his appointment, Klopp said, “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. By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. There are many ways that we can do this front using the elite knowledge and experience that Red Bull possesses to learning from other sports and other industries.”  

Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, also seemed very excited at the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp. He said, “We are very proud of this outstanding and certainly the strongest signing in Red Bull's soccer history. Jürgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma.” Mintzlaff added further, “In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development. We are hoping for valuable and decisive impulses in key areas to make the clubs even better, both collectively and individually." 

Despite vowing to take a lengthy sabbatical after his stint with Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is already making his return to the football scene. The 57-year-old German will step into his new role, previously held by Ralf Rangnick, with his official unveiling set for January. Klopp is right back where he thrives, but can he bring the same level of influence in the boardroom that he had on the sidelines? 

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