Biography
Who is David Wagner?
Early life and playing career
Born in Geinsheim am Rhein, Germany, David Wagner spent his early years in West Germany. He began his professional football path as a striker in 1990 when he debuted with Eintracht Frankfurt. Throughout his playing career, he served as a journeyman forward for several German clubs. His list of teams included SV Waldhof Mannheim, TSG Weinheim, and FC Gütersloh 2000. He also spent time with 1. FSV Mainz 05, where he scored 19 goals across four seasons.
David was part of the Schalke 04 squad that secured the UEFA Cup title in 1997. Beyond his domestic club experience, he represented the United States national team. Because of his family background, he was eligible to play for the United States and earned eight caps between 1996 and 1998. His international debut occurred in a match against El Salvador in August 1996. Although he played in a World Cup qualifying victory against Canada in 1997, he was not selected for the 1998 FIFA World Cup squad.
Managerial success and challenges
After his playing days ended, David transitioned into coaching. He began his managerial path with Borussia Dortmund II in 2011, remaining there until 2015. Later that year, he took over at the English club Huddersfield Town. His time there was marked by success, specifically achieving promotion to the Premier League via the 2017 EFL Championship play-off final. He earned recognition as EFL Championship Manager of the Year for the 2016–17 season and received the Premier League Manager of the Month award in August 2017.
Following his departure from Huddersfield Town in January 2019, David managed several other organizations. He signed with the Bundesliga club Schalke 04 in May 2019, though his tenure ended in September 2020 after a difficult winless streak. He subsequently moved to Switzerland to lead the Young Boys in 2021, where he oversaw their participation in the UEFA Champions League group stage. By 2023, he returned to England to serve as the head coach for Norwich City. He led Norwich to a sixth-place finish in the 2023–24 season before leaving the club in May 2024.
Personal life and family
David Wagner maintains a close relationship with former teammate Jürgen Klopp, having served as the best man at Klopp's wedding in 2005. Regarding his own family, he has one child, a daughter named Lea Wagner. Born in 1994, Lea has established her own career as a sports journalist for the German broadcaster ARD and became a presenter for Sportschau in June 2023.
Birthday and age
David Wagner was born on October 19, 1971, which makes David 55 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. David shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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