Jürgen Klopp is making his much-anticipated return to football, but this time it's with a twist. The former Liverpool manager, famous for his electric personality and tactical genius, is taking on a whole new challenge as the head of global soccer at Red Bull. Starting January 1, 2025, Klopp will officially step into his new role, and it's shaping up to be a major move in the football world.
But before we dive into what Klopp will bring to Red Bull, let's take a quick look back at the legacy he's left behind. During his nine-year tenure at Liverpool, Klopp achieved what many thought was impossible. His list of accolades at Anfield is nothing short of legendary. He broke a 30-year drought by delivering a Premier League title in the 2019-20 season, claimed the 2019 Champions League title, and added an FA Cup and two League Cups to his trophy cabinet. Not to mention, he was instrumental in transforming Liverpool into one of the most feared teams in Europe.
Klopp's journey in football management started long before his time at Liverpool, however. After cutting his teeth at Mainz, Klopp made a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund, where he won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and secured a DFB-Pokal victory in 2012. His tactical innovations and charismatic leadership at Dortmund set the stage for his success at Liverpool and made him a household name in the footballing world. Now, he's set to bring all that experience and energy to Red Bull, but in a completely different capacity.
A New Role, A New Challenge
At Red Bull, Klopp won’t be pacing the sidelines or yelling out tactical instructions to players—at least not on a daily basis. Instead, he’ll oversee Red Bull’s expansive network of football clubs, which includes RB Leipzig in Germany, New York Red Bulls in the USA, Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil, and their recent acquisition, Omiya Ardija in Japan. While Klopp won’t be involved in the day-to-day operations, his influence will still be felt. His primary focus will be on shaping the "strategic vision" of the clubs, helping the sporting directors, and supporting global scouting efforts. In addition, Klopp will play a significant role in training and developing coaches, providing them with the mentorship needed to excel.
Excitingly, Klopp's return to football doesn't just mean he's back—it means he's back in a role where he can make a global impact. Klopp himself expressed his excitement about the new opportunity, saying, "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."
One of the things that makes this new position particularly intriguing is the creative freedom Klopp will have. Red Bull, known for its innovative approach to sports, offers Klopp a chance to explore new ways to develop football talent. He emphasized that Red Bull’s elite knowledge and experience, combined with insights from other sports and industries, will open up new avenues for growth and success. Klopp said, "Together we can discover what is possible. I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs, but ultimately, I am one part of an organization that is unique, innovative, and forward-looking."
A Return, But With Flexibility
Another fascinating element of Klopp’s new role is the potential for him to step into even bigger shoes down the line. According to multiple reports in the German media, Klopp's contract with Red Bull includes a break clause that would allow him to pursue the Germany national team job if it becomes available after the 2026 World Cup. This clause adds an exciting layer of possibility to Klopp’s future, as many fans have long speculated that he would eventually lead his home country's national team. Whether that happens or not, it’s clear that Klopp has kept his options open while committing to his current role.
Red Bull is certainly thrilled to have landed Klopp. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, hailed the signing as the most significant in the company’s soccer history. "Jürgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma," Mintzlaff said. "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."
Mintzlaff’s excitement is shared by many in the football world, who see Klopp’s move as a game-changer not just for Red Bull’s soccer empire, but for the global game as a whole. With Klopp’s proven track record of success and his ability to motivate and inspire, there’s no doubt that Red Bull’s clubs will benefit greatly from his influence.
What’s Next for Klopp?
While Klopp’s official start date is January 1, 2025, he won’t be sitting idle until then. Red Bull is expected to unveil him in mid-January, marking his formal return to football. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how Klopp will put his stamp on Red Bull’s global network of clubs.
One thing is certain: Klopp’s passion for the game remains as strong as ever. After leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, Klopp had vowed to take a break from the day-to-day grind of football management. He was even linked to the United States men’s national team job at one point, but decided to take a well-earned hiatus instead. Now, he’s ready to dive back in—but on his own terms.
This new chapter in Klopp’s career marks a shift from the high-pressure environment of club management to a more strategic and visionary role. But that doesn’t mean Klopp’s famous intensity and passion will be any less impactful. In fact, his ability to think big and inspire those around him might be just what Red Bull’s soccer empire needs to take things to the next level.
Klopp’s Legacy and Future
When all is said and done, Klopp’s legacy as one of the greatest football managers of his generation is secure. His achievements at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool speak for themselves. But this new role at Red Bull offers Klopp the opportunity to leave an even bigger mark on the sport. By mentoring coaches, guiding clubs, and shaping the future of Red Bull’s global football operation, Klopp is stepping into a role where his influence could be felt for years to come.
This next step in Klopp's career isn’t just about him—it’s about the future of football. Red Bull’s innovative and ambitious approach aligns perfectly with Klopp’s own vision, making this partnership one to watch closely. Whether you're a Red Bull fan or simply someone who admires Klopp's work, it’s clear that this next chapter is going to be just as exciting as the ones that came before.
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