Matthias Jaissle has quickly emerged as one of the most highly-rated young coaches in world football, building an impressive reputation despite still being in his thirties.

After making his name in the Red Bull coaching system and enjoying success with RB Salzburg, the German tactician has continued his rise with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, where his attacking philosophy and ability to manage elite talent have attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Known for his high-intensity pressing, tactical flexibility and calm leadership, Jaissle has earned praise for developing young players while also delivering major honors. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has seen him linked with several high-profile managerial vacancies, particularly after Eddie Howe’s departure from Newcastle United, underlining his growing reputation as one of football’s brightest minds.

Matthias Jaissle Coaching Philosophy, Influences & Tactics

Given that the Al Ahli coach started his managerial life at FC Liefering, a reserve team for Red Bull Salzburg, Jaissle deploys a similar tactical setup to those utilised by other Red Bull teams and coaches, such as Ralf Rangnick and Jesse Marsch, with heavy emphasis on high pressing and direct play.

In 2024, he also revealed Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and Roberto De Zerbi to be influential coaches in the development of his coaching philosophy, which he acknowledges is constantly evolving.

During his time in Austria, the German coach would often opt for a narrow 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2 formation when out of possession. This is used to create a compact and balanced defensive structure, minimizing the opposition’s ability to play between the lines or down the channels. This system also allows for rapid ball progression in the cases where it is turned over as a result of high pressing.

When building from the back, RB Salzburg would often adapt their shape into a 3-2-5, whereby the deep-laying midfielder slots into the back line, and the No. 10 drops into the midfield. This then gives permission for the full-backs to press higher up the pitch, out-numbering defenders and allowing for swift passing and movement in the attacking third.

Jaissle’s Al Ahli side often set up in a 4-2-3-1, but still builds up with a 3-2-5 or 2-3-5. Speaking to Sky Sports, however, he explained that it’s less about specific formations and more about his side’s’ footballing principles, saying:

During his time at RB Salzburg, Jaissle oversaw the development of multiple Premier League stars, including Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor, as well as Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko and Barcelona’s new forward, Karim Adeyemi.

Trophies Won by Matthias Jaissle

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Although Jaissle only took his first head coach role in early 2021, the German has accumulated an impressive trophy haul across his five-years in management. His first season in charge of RB Salzburg saw him win the domestic double, winning the league title and the Austrian Cup, whilst also leading his side to the Champions League knockout phase for the first time in the club’s history. The following season, he won back-to-back league titles by winning the 2022/23 Austrian Bundesliga.

Having been released by Salzburg just one day before the start of the 2023/24 season, Jaissle was appointed as the manager of the newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. After overseeing a third-placed finish, and, in turn, qualification to the Asian Champions League, in his first season with the club, the German coach then went on to win both the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Super Cup the following season. Jaissle then added his most recent trophy to his list of honors, by winning back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues, becoming the first manager to ever do so.

Jaissle was also awarded the Saudi Pro League Manager of the Month award in April 2025, after his Al Ahli side failed to lose a single game that month, picking up ten points from five matches.

Matthias Jaissle’s Playing Career

Matthias Jaissle’s youth career saw him come through the academy of VfB Stuttgart, where he built a close relationship with current England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was a youth coach for Stuttgart at the time. Jaissle was capped by Germany at Under-21 level, before moving to TSG Hoffenheim, who played in Germany’s third tier of football in January 2007.

Playing as a centre-back, Jaissle’s contribution to his side’s efforts saw Hoffenheim experience back-to-back promotions, with their 2007/08 season being the club’s first in professional football. Unfortunately, the German was forced into retirement in 2014, aged just 25, due to injury. In total, Jaissle made just 60 appearances for Hoffenheim, netting twice.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s unveiling of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) has left world football’s governing body at the centre of a fresh scandal. The initiative plans to create a commercial entity that will be responsible for the World Cup’s commercial, sponsorship, and broadcasting rights.

The proposal is hoping to generate millions of dollars of revenue for its 211 member associations, but the involvement of private investors and their influence on major international tournaments has sparked grave concern across the international football community. Met by opposition from several confederations and football associations, its critics feel that FIFA’s proposal could have a highly detrimental effect on the sport if allowed to come to fruition.

But unlike these opposing organisations, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has chosen not to reject FIFA’s plan from the outset. Instead, they intend to review the project before making “the decision that is most appropriate.” The FMF’s position on the commercial entity has provoked strong criticism from football fans and sports journalists online.

FMF Statement

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Following the revelation of the FFE proposal earlier this week, the FMF weighed in on the discussion, publishing their own statement in response to the programme’s proposal:

“The Mexican Football Federation was notified by FIFA on July 28, 2026 regarding President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to increase the revenues of the FIFA Forward program, the main vehicle to promote the positive development of football in the world, based on a new Financial model.

“In the aforementioned communication, FIFA proposes that, for Federations to make an informed decision regarding their participation in said mechanism, it will open working tables to expand the information and documentation associated with the new model.

“In this regard, the FMF will exhaust said study and analysis process to make the decision that best suits the development of Mexican soccer.”

CONCACAF Response

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In contrast, and in unity with UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation, CONCACAF expressed its severe disapproval of FIFA’s commercial proposal in a statement published on its website. The soccer confederation, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, says it rejected FIFA’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, following a meeting with all 41 CONCACAF members yesterday.

Their statement read: “Concacaf is a confederation united by the love of our game, where football comes first. Guided by this philosophy over the past ten years we have built, from the ground up, an organization founded on service, transparent governance, and the long-term stewardship of football.

“History has shown FIFA and the football family what happens when the custodians of the game lose sight of these values.

“With this in mind, Concacaf today convened a meeting of the presidents of its 41 Member Associations, together with its President, Council members, and its FIFA Council members, to discuss a proposal developed and presented by the FIFA President to establish ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ and sell interests in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

“During the meeting, the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies. In addition, the need for private equity investment to fund new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned.

“The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance.

“For these reasons, Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations have:

“Rejected the proposal;

“Tasked their FIFA Council Members with engaging FIFA to determine how existing vast FIFA reserves could be used to increase FIFA Forward funding for football development across our region; and

“Tasked their FIFA Council Members with instructing the FIFA President to ensure that any matter follows the proper governance processes via staff and FIFA Council, in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

“Through these actions, Concacaf reaffirms that football’s future—and its greatest asset—must remain in the hands of our football family.”

Fan Reaction

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Reactions from football fans online have mirrored the firm stance taken by the likes of CONCACAF.

“Joke of a federation,” wrote one. “These fools have no shame,” echoed another. “This is VERY embarrassing,” commented one fan emphatically.

Another online user shared both anger and disappointment at the FMF’s stance following Mexico’s positive contributions to the World Cup over the last month:

Another fan agreed, stating, “Took them less than a month to ruin all the good will, and then some, that the World Cup generated.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, considered two of the greatest footballers in history, both failed to win the 2026 World Cup in what will almost certainly be their final major tournament on the international stage.

Ronaldo was hoping to become a world champion for the first time this summer. However, his Portugal side were knocked out by eventual winners in the last 16 of the competition.

Messi and Argentina fared much better as they put up a spirited title defence. After cruising through the group stage, they beat Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England to reach the final.

They were unable to retain their trophy, though, as Spain beat them 1-0 after extra-time in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Messi Has Already Returned to Inter Miami

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Messi, now 39 years old, played a starring role for Argentina yet again this summer. He featured in all eight of their matches, scoring eight goals and recording four assists.

He played the full match in all but two of those games. He played half-an-hour against Jordan, while he was substituted off with 10 minutes to play against Algeria.

Despite playing so much in such a short space of time, Messi has already returned to Inter Miami. The Argentine was pictured in training alongside his teammates just 10 days after the World Cup final.

Messi hasn’t been given much of a break at all following the World Cup due to the resumption of Inter Miami’s season. The 2026 MLS season was put on hold when the World Cup started but resumed immediately after the tournament ended.

Inter Miami have been without their star man for each of their last two games. They won both of those matches, beating Chicago Fire 3-2 and CF Montreal 1-0.

Messi will now hope to return to action when Inter Miami face Colombus on Saturday evening. He could line up alongside Casemiro, who was full of praise for the Argentine after arriving at the club.

He said, per ESPN: “I am coming only to play with the best player of all time. I want to enjoy, I want to help him to keep winning because he is a winner. Another player is joining who wants to win, who wants to compete.

He added: “The amount of problems Messi gave me, of course I dreamed of playing with him. I always wanted to play with the best. I could never stop him, I always needed help from my teammates. I am very happy that I am now with him, and I want to keep winning with him.”

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Hasn’t Returned to Al-Nassr Yet

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Ronaldo and Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup on July 6 as they were beaten 2-1 by Spain. He has been given a much longer break than his great rival, though, and is still enjoying his holidays.

Al-Nassr have begun their preparations for the 2026/27 season. They have played two pre-season friendlies thus far, losing 2-1 to Benfica B and then beating AD Merida 2-0. Their star man has been absent from those games.

Ronaldo, as well as compatriot Joao Felix, Senegal’s Sadio Mane and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Al-Amri, have not yet returned to Al-Nassr’s camp, per Goal.

Ange Postecoglou, who replaced Jorge Jesus this summer, is behind the decision, per Saudi reports. With Al-Nassr’s season kicking off against Al Fateh on August 15, he has given his World Cup stars an extended break.

Postecoglou is said to be staying in constant contact with the group, asking them to undergo physical tests and measurements, follow a tailored programme of moderate effort, and report the results to him daily.

It is reported that the quartet will link up with the side in the coming days as Al-Nassr look to defend their Saudi League title and become AFC Champions League winners for the first time.