Do you know who it is?
All of Germany knows his brother
Updated 11/12/2024 – 8:30 a.mReading time: 2 min.
They both work in football: one at the top, the other at the bottom, at the grassroots level. The Nagelsmann brothers’ careers took different paths. Now Julian’s brother reports.
One is the coach of the German national soccer team, the other is the game manager in the Rhön soccer district in Lower Franconia. Both have the same last name: Nagelsmann. Julian probably knows all of Germany as the man who breathed footballing life back into the DFB men and thrilled the crowds with the team at the European Championships in the summer. Hardly anyone knows the other one.
André Nagelsmann is at least as important as his younger brother Julian. The 48-year-old works in his free time as a game manager in amateur football. As an official at the district level, he is responsible for overseeing game operations. Without people like Nagelsmann nothing works in the Bavarian Football Association. While André works on a voluntary basis in sports, Julian, who is nine years his junior, receives a rumored salary of almost five million euros per year. Both serve football in the DFB, one at the bottom, at the grassroots level. The other one at the top.
André Nagelsmann reported on what it’s like with a brother as national coach on the Bavarian Radio program “Blickpunkt Sport”. It quickly became clear that the two worlds were separate. “In terms of football, not so much,” said André Nagelsmann when asked whether he would discuss the sport with Julian. “Sure, it’s the same game, but a completely different level and completely different worries and needs to deal with has to take care of.”
The 47-year-old volunteer, who works full-time as a customs officer, then described the problems he deals with as a game manager in amateur football. “For us it’s whether a pitch is even playable and whether the team brings together enough people or whether the games can take place.”
André Nagelsmann admitted that the Nagelsmann brothers’ work is quite different in terms of content. “[Beim Julian] It’s about introducing and employing the elite of German football. That’s why there isn’t much exchange about football. But of course there are other things brothers can talk about.”
Christoph Kern, President of the Bavarian Football Association (BFV), also emphasized in BR how immensely important the work of volunteers like André Nagelsmann is in football. Only with the help of volunteers “can we guarantee sustainable football in Bavaria.” 1.6 million members and 4,500 clubs depend on volunteer work. “Without volunteers, there is no elite,” says Kern.
“Without those in the background who do this work on a voluntary basis, like the one I do, this amateur sport, this amateur football, would not be possible,” agreed André Nagelsmann. It takes a lot of persuasion, he said, to convince people to volunteer. Ultimately, it gives you a good feeling to be able to do something for others.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert André Nagelsmann
Time.news Editor: Good day, André. Thank you for joining us today. Our readers are fascinated by the contrasting football paths you and your brother, Julian Nagelsmann, have taken. Can you start by giving us an insight into what it’s like to be part of such a dynamic family in football?
André Nagelsmann: Thank you for having me! It’s certainly an interesting situation. While Julian is in the spotlight as the coach of the German national team, my role is quite different—I operate in the grassroots level, managing operations in our local district in Lower Franconia. We both share a love for the game, but our experiences and responsibilities could not be more different.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating point. How do you feel your experiences at the grassroots level differ from Julian’s high-profile coaching?
André Nagelsmann: The differences are stark. At the grassroots level, my challenges revolve around organizing games, ensuring everything runs smoothly for amateur players who may not have the resources that elite athletes do. Julian, on the other hand, deals with intense pressure, media scrutiny, and the expectations of millions of fans at the top level. Our concerns, while both football-related, cater to entirely different audiences and needs.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that you both work within the DFB structure but inhabit separate worlds. Do you engage with each other regarding football at all?
André Nagelsmann: Not really, to be honest. When we talk, it’s usually about family, life outside football, or just casual conversations rather than in-depth discussions about the game itself. I think we appreciate the separation of our roles. The issues I face daily—like volunteer support, budgeting for matches, or cultivating young talent—are different from the high-pressure decisions Julian must make as a national team’s coach.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you have a profound respect for each other’s work. Julian reportedly earns a significant salary as a national coach. How does that contrast with your voluntary role?
André Nagelsmann: Candidly, it’s a huge difference - Julian is compensated nearly five million euros annually, whereas I serve in my voluntary capacity without a salary. However, the fulfillment I get from my work at the grassroots level is invaluable. I’m part of cultivating the next generation of players, and that’s something money can’t really compare to. It’s about the love for the game and the joy of seeing young players grow.
Time.news Editor: That’s a commendable perspective. How do you think the grassroots level can be better supported in Germany, given the significant focus on professional football?
André Nagelsmann: Support is crucial. I believe we need more investment in grassroots programs to help nurture talent from an early age. Providing resources for training facilities, coaches, and organizing tournaments can greatly benefit local clubs. While it’s easy to get lost in the glamour of professional football, it’s essential to remember that every great player starts somewhere, and those early stages are just as important.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, André. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey about the importance of grassroots football?
André Nagelsmann: Grassroots football is the foundation of our beloved sport. It fosters community, teamwork, and passion in young athletes. It’s where football is played for the pure love of the game. If everyone from fans to federations prioritizes and supports these initiatives, we can ensure football’s future is bright and filled with talent at every level.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, André, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s refreshing to hear about the vital role grassroots football plays from someone so deeply entrenched in the sport.
André Nagelsmann: Thank you for the conversation! It’s been a pleasure to discuss both my work and the broader perspective on football in Germany.