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Football President Neuendorf recalls many moments of glory

DFB celebrates its 125th anniversary during a ceremony in Leipzig.

25.01.2025
Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed der Kaiser (“the Emperor”): his widow with a jersey.
Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed der Kaiser (“the Emperor”): his widow with a jersey. © pa/dpa

Leipzig (dpa) – German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf, in a speech during the ceremony to mark the 125th anniversary of the DFB, has emphasised sport’s social responsibility. Speaking to numerous guests, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin, Neuendorf stressed that football is all about “community and community spirit”. 

Reflecting on the DFB’s history since its founding in Leipzig on 28 January 1900, Neuendorf talked about the major sporting triumphs, such as the six World Cup and eleven European Championship victories for the men’s and women’s national teams, but also about the dark chapters in the DFB’s history, describing them as a lesson for the present and the future. “It is essential to adopt a clear stance - especially on the association’s role during the Nazi era,” the 63-year-old said. He asserted that this history brings with it “an undeniable responsibility. We must be quite clear: never again.” 

On Friday, the DFB also extended its contract with Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach of the men’s national squad, until after the 2028 European Championship.