Roger Schmidt appointed Red Bull’s global director of football, replacing Jurgen Klopp | OneFootball

Roger Schmidt has been appointed as Red Bull’s new global director of football, succeeding Jurgen Klopp. According to Glorioso 1904, the former Benfica coach takes the role after Klopp left to lead Germany.

The 59-year-old returns to the Austrian group’s football set-up, having managed Red Bull Salzburg from 2012 to 2014. He begins in October on a long-term contract.

He expressed excitement at coming back, describing Red Bull’s global model as unique and ambitious, built on developing young talent alongside a drive to compete and win at the highest level.

Schmidt said he is eager to get started, meet staff across the clubs and collaborate to keep the project progressing. He added that the foundations are strong, the potential is huge and he is highly motivated to help shape the next chapter.

After leaving Benfica, he has served since October 2025 as a global football adviser to the Japanese league. In his new post he will lead sporting strategy across the Red Bull clubs, coordinating projects at Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Bragantino and New York Red Bulls.

Source: Glorioso 1904