First openly gay coach at men’s Bundesliga club comes out
March 25, 2026Christian Dobrick, Under-19 coach at FC St Pauli, has publicly come out as gay, becoming the first coach at a men’s Bundesliga club to do so.
The 29-year-old spoke in a TV interview with German broadcasters NTV and RTL, saying years of hiding his sexuality in professional football had drained him. He explained that he wants to pursue his ambition of coaching a senior men’s team while being open about who he is, OutSports reports.
St Pauli quickly affirmed its support, writing on official club channels: “Of course, we are behind him and his coming out. Because it’s actually quite simple and should apply to everyone: Love who you want!”
Dobrick, who was born without his left forearm, said he is aware of prejudice linked to his disability and fears some may now combine that with homophobia. Nonetheless, he stressed that he no longer wants to conceal either aspect of his identity.
He described years of keeping his boyfriend out of view — avoiding direct answers about his relationship and cropping him out of photos — as “frustrating” and incompatible with the authenticity he expects from his players and colleagues.
Among his inspirations, Dobrick cited former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger’s coming out and a Q&A session with ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, whose message that people “have to stand for something” stayed with him.
Before the interviews aired, he informed his U19 squad at St Pauli and said he trusts them to respond with maturity, even though many grew up in cultures where homosexuality is stigmatized.
Shortly after speaking publicly, he reflected on the step in an Instagram post, writing: “Same coach as yesterday. Just a little lighter. Thanks for listening and to the @fcstpauli. Now full focus on the weekend against Dresden! ⚽️”