Sabrina Wittmann Makes History as First Woman to Manage Professional Men's Football Team in Germany

Category : Appointment/Resignation Published on: March 10 2026

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Sabrina Wittmann, 34, has made history in German football by becoming the first woman to manage a professional men's football team in the country. Her contract extension with FC Ingolstadt 04 reinforces the club's trust in her leadership. Initially appointed as interim coach in 2024, she quickly secured the role permanently after demonstrating strong tactical understanding, attracting global attention for her landmark achievement.
Born in 1991 in Ingolstadt, Germany, Wittmann developed a passion for football during her teenage years after encouragement from former German striker Miroslav Klose. At 16, she moved to the United States, where she played high school soccer in Kentucky and gained early coaching experience as an assistant coach for a middle school team, building a strong foundation in leadership.
After returning to Germany in 2009, Wittmann joined FC Ingolstadt's youth academy and gradually built her reputation as a coach, eventually managing the club's under-19 team in the youth Bundesliga. Her consistent progress led to promotion to the senior team. She recently completed her official coaching licence, further strengthening her credentials. Her success is widely viewed as an important step towards greater inclusion of women in professional football coaching roles.