Julian Nagelsmann has signed a contract extension to remain as Germany's head coach until the conclusion of Euro 2028, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday.
The 37-year-old Nagelsmann's decision to extend his tenure ends speculation that he would return to club football after the 2026 World Cup.
Nagelsmann explained that his experience managing Germany at Euro 2024, which will be hosted by Germany, convinced him to continue for the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028. “We are on the right path, and it’s not over yet. We want to continue developing and aim to win titles,” he said in a statement.
The contract extension was finalized in Leipzig as part of DFB's 125th anniversary celebrations. Nagelsmann had initially been appointed on a short-term deal ahead of Euro 2024.
Before the 2024 tournament, Nagelsmann extended his contract through to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Now, he has committed to staying on until Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by Britain and Ireland.
Nagelsmann became the second youngest head coach in German national team history when he was appointed in 2023, following a challenging period for Germany. After poor performances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, Nagelsmann stepped in after Hansi Flick's dismissal.
Nagelsmann’s club career includes becoming the youngest-ever Bundesliga coach with Hoffenheim in 2016, then moving to RB Leipzig before joining Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga title in 2021-22. However, he was unexpectedly fired by Bayern in March 2023.
At Euro 2024, Germany showed signs of revival under Nagelsmann, progressing to the quarter-finals before losing to Spain in extra time. The national team is also performing well in the Nations League, reaching the knockout stage for the first time and set to face Italy in March.
Nagelsmann’s contract extension puts an end to rumors that he would return to club football after the 2026 World Cup. It also delays Jurgen Klopp’s long-rumored move to the Germany job following his departure from Liverpool.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf described Nagelsmann's decision to stay on as a "significant signal" for the future of German football.
Channelstv
