In a landmark move for diversity in sports, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on November 9, 2024, the appointment of Ovid Hajo, a 41-year-old coach of Kurdish descent, as the new assistant coach of the German Under-21 national football team.
The decision highlights Hajo’s exceptional coaching abilities and past successes, reflecting the DFB’s confidence in his talent and experience. The Kurdish-born German coach is best known for guiding Darmstadt 98 to promotion to the Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football league—a feat that has earned him widespread recognition in the football community. This new role with the U-21 national team marks another milestone in his career and is expected to strengthen the team’s development as they prepare for future European youth championships.
Hajo, who hails from the Kurdish city of Terpesbate in Western Kurdistan, expressed his pride in the appointment. “It is a great honor for me, and I will do my utmost to apply my coaching experience in this new role. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with the next generation of German talent, especially as we approach the important European youth tournaments ahead,” Hajo said.
This appointment is seen as a significant step forward for both Hajo and the German Football Association, reflecting a commitment to fostering diverse talent and promoting inclusivity within the sport.