Roger Schmidt returns to Red Bull as Jürgen Klopp's successor

Red Bull have moved quickly to replace Jürgen Klopp, appointing former RB Salzburg coach Roger Schmidt as the company's new Global Head of Soccer.

According to BILD, Schmidt will officially begin his new role on October 1, succeeding Klopp just over a week after the German accepted the position of national team head coach. Red Bull have since confirmed the appointment.

For the company, the decision represents both continuity and familiarity.

Schmidt is no stranger to the Red Bull system, having coached Red Bull Salzburg between 2012 and 2014, where he established himself as one of Europe's most exciting attacking coaches. His aggressive pressing style and commitment to proactive football became closely associated with Red Bull's football philosophy, making him a natural candidate to oversee the group's sporting direction.

His responsibilities will now extend far beyond the touchline.

As Global Head of Soccer, Schmidt will oversee the sporting development of Red Bull's international football portfolio, including RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino, Ōmiya Ardija, while also supporting the group's minority investments in Leeds United and Paris FC.

Rather than coaching a single team, Schmidt will help shape the football identity across the entire network.

The appointment also brings one of Germany's most respected coaches back into club football following a period away from the dugout.

Since October 2025, Schmidt had been working as a global football consultant for Japan's J.League after leaving Benfica in 2024. During his spell in Portugal, he guided Benfica to the Primeira Liga title in his first season and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe's leading tactical minds.

Before that, Schmidt had repeatedly been linked with some of the continent's biggest jobs.

Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and even RB Leipzig all considered him at various stages, while he was also among the candidates to become Germany's national team coach before the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann.

Now, instead of returning to day-to-day coaching, Schmidt takes on one of the most influential executive roles in world football.

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff welcomed the appointment, praising Schmidt's extensive experience, football expertise and deep understanding of the company's philosophy, particularly his ability to develop young players while competing for trophies.

Schmidt also expressed his enthusiasm about returning.

He described Red Bull's international football portfolio as unique, highlighting the combination of elite competition and youth development as the main reason behind his decision to accept the role.

For RB Leipzig, the appointment is particularly significant.

With Martín Demichelis beginning a new era on the pitch, Schmidt will now help shape the broader sporting strategy from above. His understanding of Red Bull's football identity and experience developing attacking, high-intensity teams make him one of the most influential appointments the organisation has made since Klopp's arrival and now his departure.

Rather than replacing Klopp with a completely different profile, Red Bull has opted for a familiar face whose football philosophy has long been woven into the identity of the group.