Julian Nagelsmann

Trainers on the hunt for success

Image credit: DFB/Philipp Reinhard

Julian Nagelsmann, born on July 23, 1987 in Landsberg am Lech, had to end his career as a professional soccer player at the age of 20 due to a knee injury. But instead of giving up, he entered the coaching profession and made history: at the age of 28, he became the youngest head coach in the Bundesliga at 1899 Hoffenheim.

As an innovative mind with a knack for young talent, he led Hoffenheim into the Champions League and later reached the semi-finals of this competition with RB Leipzig. He took over FC Bayern Munich in 2021 and was appointed national coach in 2023.

Despite his rapid rise, Nagelsmann remained down-to-earth and is committed to social projects, particularly in youth soccer. His story shows how setbacks can be turned into successes - an inspiration for many.

Meet Julian Nagelsmann

Want to see Julian Nagelsmann live? Then come to ISPO Munich 2024, where the coach of the German National Team will be speaking on the Main Stage on the topic of How to Unleash an Entire Country: Leadership Guidelines from the German National Football Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann – you shouldn't miss this:

Hero moments

Julian Nagelsmann has already achieved numerous remarkable milestones in his still young coaching career. As the youngest head coach in the Bundesliga, he took charge of 1899 Hoffenheim at the age of just 28 and led the club from the relegation zone to the UEFA Champions League. He even reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with RB Leipzig and established himself as one of the most innovative coaches in European soccer. His move to FC Bayern Munich cemented his reputation, and he won the German championship in 2022 and the German Super Cup twice. After being sacked by Bayern, he became the youngest senior coach in almost 100 years in September 2023. After disappointing years, he led the team to the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championship at home and sparked a new euphoria in Germany for the DFB team, which continued even after the tournament was over.

First coach to be part of Common Goal

Julian Nagelsmann, one of the most innovative coaches of his generation, is not only known for his tactical finesse and promotion of young talent, but also for his social commitment. In October 2017, Nagelsmann became the first coach to join the Common Goal initiative. Common Goal is an association of professional footballers who donate at least one percent of their salary to support social projects worldwide.

As a former youth player at a high level, Nagelsmann had to end his active career early due to persistent knee injuries. This experience sensitized him to the challenges and privileges of professional soccer. His membership of Common Goal reflects his desire to have a positive impact beyond soccer and drive social change.

Through his involvement, Nagelsmann donates 1% of his salary to support projects that promote education, equality and social inclusion. His commitment shows how personalities in sport can use their platform to make a sustainable contribution to society. Nagelsmann is setting an example of social responsibility in soccer and inspiring others to follow his example.

"For some time now, I have been looking for a way to make a meaningful and effective social contribution. I am confident that we can achieve a lot together and that the Common Goal family will continue to grow."
Julian Nagelsmann for Common Goal

Successful at a young age

Julian Nagelsmann was the youngest head coach in the history of the Bundesliga to take charge of 1899 Hoffenheim at the age of just 28. He already gained his first experience as a coach in the Kraichgau club's youth section, where he won his first title: the A-Junior Championship. Nagelsmann not only led the first team out of the relegation zone, but also established TSG Hoffenheim in the top half of the table, leading them to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the 2017/18 season. His remarkable success at Hoffenheim paved the way for him to join RB Leipzig, where he reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2020 and cemented his reputation as one of Europe's greatest coaching talents.

In 2021, Nagelsmann moved to German record champions FC Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of around 25 million euros, making him the most expensive coach in the world at the time. At Bayern, he won the German championship and brought new impetus to the team. Another milestone followed in 2023, when he became the youngest national coach since 1926 and successfully led the DFB squad through the 2024 European Championship on home soil.

Meet Julian Nagelsmann

Want to see Julian Nagelsmann live? Then come to ISPO Munich 2024, where the coach of the German National Team will be speaking on the Main Stage on the topic of How to Unleash an Entire Country: Leadership Guidelines from the German National Football Head Coach Julian Nagelsmann – you shouldn't miss this:

More facts about Julian Nagelsmann

Date of birth

July 23, 1987

Place of birth

Landsberg am Lech

Start of coaching career

2008

Coaching stations

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, FC Bayern Munich, German national team

Greatest successes as a coach

2x German Supercup, 1x German Champion, 1x A-Junior Champion, 1x Coach of the Year, 1x CL semi-finalist