Former Liverpool tactician Jurgen Klopp has been appointed global head of soccer at Red Bull.
The 57-year-old German will commence the role on 1 January 2025.
“After almost 25 years on the sidelines, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” said Klopp.
“The role may have changed, but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”
The energy drinks Red Bull owns RB Leipzig in Germany’s Bundesliga, Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, and Red Bull Bragantino from Brazil.
It also acquired a minority share in Championship team Leeds and became the front-of-shirt sponsor earlier this year.
Red Bull claims Klopp will not be engaged in day-to-day operations but will assist teams on playing philosophy, transfer strategy, and coaching development.
“Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest and most influential figures in world soccer, with extraordinary skills and charisma,” said Oliver Mintzlaff, the company’s CEO of corporate projects and investments.
“In his role as head of soccer, he will be a game-changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.”
Klopp won eight trophies in nine seasons at Liverpool, including the Premier League and Champions League, before retiring at the end of last season.
He started his managerial career at Mainz in 2001 before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2008, where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 Champions League final.
He resigned in May 2015 to take a sabbatical but returned in October to succeed Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
Red Bull has invested in ice hockey, extreme sports, racing, and two Formula One teams, with Red Bull Racing presently leading the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
A news conference to formally announce Klopp’s appointment will be held in mid-January.
