Matthias Jaissle
A young German coach who rapidly transitioned from player to a tactically intense manager, making waves first in Austria and then in Saudi Arabia.
Born 1988 (age 38)·German football manager·Birthday: April 5·Millennials
Biography
Matthias Jaissle's football story is one of a career pivot executed with startling speed. A defender who came through the youth ranks at 1899 Hoffenheim, his playing days were curtailed by injury in his mid-twenties. Instead of stepping away, he immediately threw himself into coaching, returning to Hoffenheim to learn the craft with their youth teams. His big break came in 2021 when Red Bull Salzburg, an organization known for trusting young, progressive minds, handed him the reins of their first team. There, Jaissle implemented a high-octane, pressing style that dominated the Austrian Bundesliga and caught the eye of the football world. In 2023, he accepted a new challenge, moving to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he was tasked with blending international stars with local talent, proving his adaptable, modern philosophy could translate beyond Europe.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matthias was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matthias Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matthias's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles as head coach of Red Bull Salzburg in 2022 and 2023.
- Led Red Bull Salzburg to the Austrian Cup victory in 2022, securing a domestic double.
- Guided Salzburg to the UEFA Champions League group stage in consecutive seasons.
- Appointed head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in July 2023 as part of the league's major project.
Did You Know?
He was forced to retire from professional playing at age 26 due to a persistent knee injury.
He holds a UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification in football.
Before taking over Salzburg's first team, he was the head coach of FC Liefering, their feeder club.
His first head coaching role was with Hoffenheim's under-19 team.
“We play proactive football with high intensity, always with a clear idea.”
