Otto Rehhagel

Together with writers and directors Jan-Dirk Bruns and Jürgen Schmidt, we are currently producing our new documentary about Otto Rehhagel—one of the most influential figures in German soccer.

Hardly any other coach has had such a lasting impact on soccer in Germany as Otto Rehhagel. For decades, he shaped clubs, players, and generations of fans. His successes as coach of Werder Bremen and 1. FC Kaiserslautern made him a legend; his surprising triumph with Greece at the 2004 European Championship made soccer history.
To this day, his name stands for leadership, passion, and the belief that underdogs can rise above themselves.

Our film looks back on the extraordinary life and work of a man who shaped soccer far beyond the realm of sport. In doing so, we not only tell the story of his greatest successes but also paint a portrait of a personality full of contradictions. For many, Rehhagel was a visionary and motivator; to others, he was seen as stubborn, unyielding, and difficult to deal with. It is precisely these contrasts that make him one of the most fascinating figures in German sports to this day.
Since 2024, we have been working on the film, conducting extensive research and filming in Germany and Greece.

Filming took place at locations including the German Football Museum and the venues of Rehhagel’s greatest international triumphs. Numerous colleagues, former players, coaches, and observers look back on a career marked by extraordinary successes, clear principles, and remarkable perseverance.
The aim is to create a portrait that is as personal as it is historical, focusing on a man who is an integral part of German soccer—and whose story tells of far more than that of a successful coach.

We are very pleased to be able to realize this project on behalf of Radio Bremen and SWR.