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Football
Hamburg SV appoints Kathleen Krüger as sporting director for the men's team, a first in Bundesliga history.
Hamburg SV has named Kathleen Krüger as the sporting director for its men's first team, effective summer 2026, marking the first time a woman has held this role in Bundesliga history. The 40-year-old will oversee player transfers and team development, according to club supervisory board chairman Michael Papenfuß, who cited her strategic vision and strong leadership qualities as key factors in the decision.
The appointment is viewed as a significant step toward greater gender equality within German men's professional football clubs. Krüger previously played for Bayern Munich from 2003 to 2009, later continuing her career at the Bavarian club in coaching and management roles. Most recently, she served on Bayern's board, overseeing organization, infrastructure, and sports strategy.
This development follows closely on the heels of another historic moment in European football. In April 2026, Marie-Louise Eta became the first woman to coach a men's team in Europe when she took charge of Union Berlin's men's side.
