Lutz Pfannenstiel’s career has been marked by both vibrancy and controversy.
Lutz Pfannenstiel, the former goalkeeper who once stole a penguin, spent 101 days in a Singapore jail amidst match-fixing allegations, and even modelled for Armani, has now been appointed sporting director by Aberdeen.
The 52-year-old German, dubbed the ‘global goalie’, boasts a playing career that spanned 25 clubs across 13 countries. He notably became the first professional to play in all six of Fifa’s confederations, a path he forged after turning down a Bayern Munich contract at 19 to explore the world.
In August, he departed Major League Soccer (MLS) club St Louis City following an unsuccessful spell under head coach Olof Mellberg.
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He now joins Aberdeen at a challenging time, with manager Jimmy Thelin facing pressure after securing only three wins in 15 games this season.
Chairman Dave Cormack aims to leverage Pfannenstiel’s “extensive coaching, scouting, young player development and leadership expertise gained across different roles and cultures.”
“His technical knowledge, academy development experience and global recruitment network were key factors in the board selecting him for this critical role,” Cormack stated on Aberdeen’s website.
Pfannenstiel, who will oversee all football and performance-related matters, expressed enthusiasm about joining a club with a “rich tradition, a storied history and a true football soul,” with his tenure commencing on 10 November.
“Having spent time getting to know the club over the past two years, I’m inheriting a very strong infrastructure and team of staff,” he noted.
Pfannenstiel’s CV presented to the Scottish Premiership club is certainly distinctive.
During his playing career, Pfannenstiel was associated with clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Wimbledon, Huddersfield Town, and Vancouver Whitecaps.
While with Geyland United in Singapore in 2001, he was imprisoned on match-fixing accusations, which he attributes to “playing too well,” and later released due to insufficient evidence.
During a loan spell with Bradford Park Avenue, he was pronounced dead three times on the field after his lungs collapsed following a collision.
In New Zealand, he famously kidnapped a penguin, housing it in his bathtub until the president of Otago United warned him of potential deportation if caught, leading to the penguin’s return.
After retiring in 2011, Pfannenstiel transitioned to TV punditry, coaching courses, and climate change advocacy through Global United, his non-profit organization founded in 2010, which garnered support from figures like Zico, Zinedine Zidane, Lothar Matthaus, and Carlos Valderrama.
He published his biography in 2014, titled “The Unstoppable Keeper” in the UK, and was described by FourFourTwo magazine as the “craziest man in football.”
Pfannenstiel spent nine years at 1899 Hoffenheim as head of international relations and scouting.
He also served as Fortuna Dusseldorf’s sporting director for two seasons, during which they achieved their highest Bundesliga finish in three decades, placing 10th.
Prior to joining Aberdeen, Pfannenstiel was the sporting director for St Louis City for five years, where he established their youth academy and training facility, leading them to a Western Conference victory in 2023.
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