Christopher Vivell
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 15 December 1986 | ||
| Place of birth | Karlsruhe, Germany | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –2005 | Karlsruher SC | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2005–2010 | ASV Durlach | 91 | (13) |
| 2011 | SV Spielberg | ||
| 2011–2013 | FV Graben | ||
| 2013–2015 | FV Ettlingenweier II | ||
| Managerial career | |||
| 2010–2015 | TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (scout) | ||
| 2015–2020 | Red Bull Salzburg (scout) | ||
| 2020–2022 | RB Leipzig (technical director) | ||
| 2022–2023 | Chelsea (technical director) | ||
| 2024– | Manchester United (director of recruitment) | ||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Christopher Vivell (born 15 December 1986) is a German football manager and former footballer who is the director of recruitment of Manchester United.
Early life
Vivell was born on 15 December 1986 in Karlsruhe, Germany and is a native of the city. Growing up, he attended the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany.[1]
Playing career
As a youth player, Vivell joined the youth academy of German side Karlsruher SC. Following his stint there, he signed for German side ASV Durlach in 2005, where he made ninety-three league appearances and scored thirteen goals.
Afterwards, he signed for German side SV Spielberg in 2011. The same year, he signed for German side FV Graben. During the summer of 2013, he signed for German side FV Ettlingenweier II. At the age of twenty-eight, he retired from playing football.[2]
Managerial career
In 2010, Vivell was appointed as a scout of German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Five years later, he was appointed as a scout of Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, where he helped the club sign Norway international Erling Haaland, Zambia international Patson Daka and Germany international Karim Adeyemi.[3]
Subsequently, he served as technical director of German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2020, and in 2022 was appointed technical director of English Premier League club Chelsea. Ahead of the 2024–25 season, he joined Manchester United as interim director of recruitment on a short-term deal, with the possibility of a permanent appointment. In February 2025, he was appointed to the position on a full-time basis, signing a multi-year contract.[4]
References
- ^ "Vom Hoffenheim-Videoanalysten zum Chelsea-Transferboss: Das ist Haaland-Entdecker Christopher Vivell" [From Hoffenheim video analyst to Chelsea transfer boss: This is Haaland discoverer Christopher Vivell] (in German). Sportbuzzer. 21 December 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ "Who is Christopher Vivell? Manchester United working to appoint transfer ace who 'discovered' Erling Haaland". ManchesterWorld. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ "Who is Christopher Vivell? Chelsea confirm final piece in Todd Boehly backroom re-shuffle". football.london. 21 December 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ Ornstein, David (25 February 2025). "Manchester United appoint Christopher Vivell as full-time director of recruitment". The Athletic. Retrieved 12 August 2025.