Frank Baumann (footballer)

Frank Baumann (born 29 October 1975) is a German former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder, and currently works as the sporting director for Werder Bremen.

Career

Baumann began his professional career with 1. FC Nürnberg in 1994, making his Bundesliga debut in the 1995-96 season. Following Nürnberg's relegation in 1999, he moved to Werder Bremen, where he spent the remainder of his playing career.

At Werder Bremen, Baumann quickly became a key player and leader. He captained the team from 2003 until his retirement in 2009. He was instrumental in Werder Bremen's Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in the 2003–04 season. He also achieved a second DFB-Pokal victory in 2009, his final season as a player.

Baumann was known for his tactical awareness, consistent performance, and strong tackling. He was also a reliable penalty taker.

International Career

Baumann represented Germany at the international level, earning 28 caps. He was part of the German squad that finished as runners-up at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament. He also participated in UEFA Euro 2004.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring as a player in 2009, Baumann transitioned into a career in sports management. He initially served as an assistant to the sporting director at Werder Bremen before being appointed as the club's sporting director in 2016. In this role, he is responsible for player recruitment, contract negotiations, and the overall sporting strategy of the club.