New boss for German women's soccer: Nia Künzer takes over as DFB director
Famed soccer star Nia Künzer is stepping into a new role as the sports director for the German women's soccer team at the DFB, starting on January 1st. Künzer, a 43-year-old from Wetzlar, was tapped by the DFB's board following a unanimous decision. This move comes after years of calls for a dedicated manager for the women's team, with men's counterpart Rudi Völler already holding a similar position.
Association president Bernd Neuendorf praised Künzer's "critical eye, ability to bring in other perspectives, social competence, and deep soccer knowledge," which he believes will help move the team forward. Künzer herself acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need to regain past glory and win championships.
Nia Künzer's extensive experience, including her time as an ARD expert and department head at Giessen regional council, should prove valuable in her new capacity.
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Künzer's playing career was marked by impressive achievements, such as several European Championship titles and a World Cup win. Her biggest moment was scoring the golden goal in the 2003 Women's World Cup final, a decisive 2-1 victory over Sweden.
Her responsibilities as sports director include overseeing the women's national team and U20 team, as well as supporting efforts to keep top players within the German league. This focus on the domestic league aligns with her belief that players can develop and prosper within the German system, rather than relying solely on foreign clubs.
Künzer has also advocated for promoting positive values in football, serving as an engaging figure in the Julius Hirsch Prize – an annual award that recognizes contributions to democracy, human dignity, and anti-discrimination in football.
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