From World Champion to the Sidelines: Shkodran Mustafi Officially Becomes Germany U-21 Assistant Coach

Berlin, August 15, 2025 – The German Football Association (DFB) has officially announced that 2014 World Cup winner Shkodran Mustafi will join the Germany U-21 national team coaching staff. The former Arsenal defender replaces Hermann Gerland, the legendary figure who has retired after decades in coaching.

A Planned Move

Shkodran Mustafi’s appointment was not an overnight decision. Since July 2024, he has served as assistant coach for Germany’s U-17 national team. Over the past year, he has been credited with building strong relationships with young players and making a significant contribution to tactical development.

DFB Sporting Director Andreas Rettig expressed his appreciation:

“Shkodran Mustafi has shown over his year with the U-17s the added value he can bring to developing young players. He remains very close to the players’ daily situations and—through his professional experience in various countries and with the national team—can bring important impetus to the coaching team.”

The decision to promote him to the U-21 setup is seen as a logical step, considering the team’s need for a young figure with proven international experience.

The World Champion Speaks

Shkodran Mustafi could not hide his excitement:

“I’m very happy. Not only because I followed the U-21 European Championship this summer and felt the euphoria in our country, but also because I can share my experience and knowledge with the young players, both on and off the pitch, while taking the next step in my coaching career.”

He emphasized that his role is not just about giving tactical instructions, but also instilling the winning mentality that underpins the senior German national team.

Career Highlights

Shkodran Mustafi began his professional career with Everton before playing for Sampdoria, Valencia, Arsenal, Schalke 04, and Levante—his final club before retiring in 2023. With the German national team, he earned 20 caps, including the historic moment of lifting the 2014 FIFA World Cup trophy at the Maracanã Stadium. In addition to the World Cup, Mustafi was also part of the squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. His experience in the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga has given him broad insight into different playing styles and competition dynamics across various countries.

First Challenge: 2027 U-21 Euro Qualifiers

Mustafi’s debut with the U-21s will come soon. On September 5, 2025, Germany will face Albania in Tirana, followed by a home match against Latvia in Rostock on September 9. These two matches will be an early test of his ability to assist head coach Antonio Di Salvo in shaping strategy and building chemistry with the young squad. DFB’s target is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 U-21 European Championship as one of the top seeds. Mustafi’s presence is expected to bring fresh energy and competitive spirit to the team. For the DFB, investing in a figure like Shkodran Mustafi is part of a broader regeneration strategy—not only for players but also for coaches. With his background as a world champion and his cross-league experience, he is expected to shape a generation of players who are not only technically skilled but also mentally strong under high-pressure situations. Andreas Rettig added that the DFB aims to foster a “champion’s DNA” at every level of the national team, and Mustafi’s involvement is seen as a key part of achieving that vision.

Shkodran Mustafi’s return to football, now as a strategist on the sidelines, marks a new chapter in his career. From the Maracanã to the U-21 bench, his journey reflects the transformation of a world champion into a mentor tasked with shaping the future of German football. Fans now wait to see if Mustafi’s guiding hand will help produce the next golden generation.