Rudi Völler suggests Thomas Müller could follow him into DFB role

Rudi Völler has named former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller as a potential successor to him as sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB). The 66-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2028, said on the “Kerners 11” podcast: “At some point, my time will finally come to an end. And if the DFB – whether [DFB president] Bernd Neuendorf, [DFB vice-president] Aki Watzke or managing director Per Mertesacker – feels that someone else should be brought in, I think that would be a good idea.” Völler added that he's "absolutely convinced" Müller would be suitable for the role. "Thomas could certainly do it, just like others could. Whether in my position or another one. They would just have to want it – that's the basis," he said. Since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the 2024/25 season, 36-year-old Müller has been playing for Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, where his contract runs until the summer of 2027.