Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been named the global head of soccer for Red Bull, effective January 1, 2025.
The 57-year-old German expressed his excitement about the new role on Instagram, stating, “A few months ago, I mentioned that I don’t envision myself on the sidelines anymore, and that remains true. However, my passion for football and work continues, and Red Bull provides the ideal platform for that.”
Red Bull, known for its energy drinks, owns several soccer teams, including RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls, and Brazilian side Red Bull Bragantino.
Earlier this year, the company 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 the day-to-day operations but will advise teams on playing philosophy, transfer strategies, and coaching development. “I want to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years,” he noted.
“While there are many successful managers, I have fought for promotions, titles, and trophies throughout my career. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we fail, and managing those outcomes can be challenging, but it’s achievable. I also look forward to learning again, as the hectic schedule of managing doesn’t always allow for that.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, praised Klopp as “one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer” with exceptional skills and charisma.
He added that Klopp would be a transformative figure in Red Bull’s global soccer involvement and its development.
During his tenure at Liverpool, Klopp secured eight trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, before stepping down at the end of the last season.
He began his managerial career at Mainz in 2001 and later moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2008, where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final.
After resigning in May 2015 for a sabbatical, he returned to management at Liverpool in October of the same year.
Red Bull has diversified its investments beyond soccer, including ventures in ice hockey, extreme sports, motorsports, and Formula 1, where Red Bull Racing currently holds both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
A press conference to officially announce Klopp’s appointment is scheduled for mid-January.
