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German Football Association marks 125th anniversary

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The German Football Association (DFB) celebrated its 125th anniversary with a gala in Leipzig, the city of its inception.

More than 400 guests, including UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and leading figures from across European football, attended the celebration.

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and general secretary Heike Ullrich spoke to attendees including German legends Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann, Philipp Lahm and Bettina Wiegmann, with Mr Čeferin also addressing the audience.

"For more than a century, the DFB has been at the heart of football's amazing journey, both at home here in Germany and around the world, shaping the sport with the vision and dedication that has truly transformed the game itself," he said.

"Your unwavering commitment to excellence, to innovation and inclusivity has made German football an example for football everywhere, inspiring millions and enriching communities worldwide."

"From grassroots initiatives to iconic international triumphs, the DFB embodies the transformative power of passion, teamwork and ambition."

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin speaking at the DFB's 125th anniversary gala
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin speaking at the DFB's 125th anniversary galaThomas Boecker/DFB

Beckenbauer remembered

At the end of the evening, players from throughout the history of both the men's and women's national teams gathered on the stage, with six FIFA World Cups and 11 UEFA European Championships between them across the DFB's 125 years.

A notable absentee was Franz Beckenbauer, who died last year aged 78.

Affectionately known as 'Der Kaiser', Beckenbauer captained West Germany to the 1972 UEFA European Championship and 1974 FIFA World Cup glory as a player, while also leading them to the 1990 FIFA World Cup as coach.

"I learnt a lot from him, not only on the pitch, but also off it," said Matthäus, who played under Beckenbauer at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

"He was always positive, always there for people. He left us far too early. I think of him often. With Franz Beckenbauer, German football, world football, has not only lost one of its greatest players, but also a really great person."

Philipp Lahm, Jürgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthäus at the DFB's 125th anniversary
Philipp Lahm, Jürgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthäus at the DFB's 125th anniversaryThomas Boecker/DFB

The anniversary celebration also looked to the future, with Wiegmann, who won four Women's EUROs during her career, joined on stage by women's national team coach Christian Wück to discuss Germany's ambitions at UEFA Women's EURO 2025 in Switzerland.

Meanwhile, men's national team coach Julian Nagelsmann announced he would be extending his contract through to UEFA EURO 2028.

"In the 125 years that the German Football Association has existed, there have often been reasons to celebrate," Neuendorf said. "Above all, the six World Cup titles and eleven European Championship titles that our women's and men's national teams have won together. "

"Outstanding players, both male and female, have worn the DFB jersey over these decades. We fondly remember great successes and trophies."

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf

A leading stage for world-class events

The DFB's most recent achievement was the successful hosting of EURO 2024 in collaboration with UEFA.

As full stadiums returned to the tournament for the first time since the pandemic, 2.7 million people attended games in Germany and a further 6.2 million visited the 18 fan zones across the country.

There was also a staggering cumulative live global TV audience of 5.4 billion.

"EURO 2024 reaffirmed Germany's unmatched ability to host world-class sporting events," Mr Čeferin said. "The tournament captivated the world with its electrifying atmosphere, flawless organisation and moving celebration of football's unifying spirit.

"Germany's vision and hospitality demonstrated once again what we should expect from such international events. Delivering unforgettable memories for fans, while proving the nation is truly a leading stage for the world's greatest competitions.

"United in the heart of Europe – that's what we promised, and that's what we delivered together, with all of you."

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