Henner Janzen
Advisor in professional football & Co-Founder of Sports Leadership Coaching
Welcome
Few things connect people as directly as football — across languages, origins and generations.
Since 2002 I have worked as an independent player advisor, supporting professional athletes — as well as coaches and sporting directors — around the globe, with a clear strategic focus on women's football. For me it's less about career titles than about personalities: people who take responsibility, shape their sport and move it forward.
Three principles
See for yourself — be in the stadium. Form your own picture.
Talent cannot be judged from a distance. I travel, sit in the stands and watch across many games — only first-hand observation supports an honest assessment.
Listen first — the person before the plan.
Advisory work starts with listening: personality, life situation and goals shape the strategy — not the other way around.
Reliability — long-term over short-term.
Trust is built over years. My mandates are designed for the long haul; I accompany many players across their entire career.
What clients say
“The fact that Henner speaks five languages and simply has the best network in European women's football makes him a great manager; the fact that he puts people first makes him a great friend.”
“His real strengths are communication and his sense for people. He is always fully committed and personally engaged.”
“Henner listens, responds to your needs and is relentless in pursuing the best outcome for you. He doesn't see the client — he sees the person and their individual personality.”
“His advisory work is genuinely holistic. I know I can rely on him and his advice in every situation, and that the person matters more to him than the athlete.”
“Henner is highly respected by numerous federations and international bodies. His communication skills and work ethic are exceptional — he is an invaluable support for players around the world.”
“What's personal comes first for Henner. He speaks openly and honestly and always meets you with great respect.”
Milestones
- 1968 — Born in Berlin.
- 1994 — Four years of legal practice in Brazil.
- 1998 — Completed legal training with the Second State Examination.
- 1999 — Appointed General Counsel at Hertha BSC.
- 2000 — Advisor on the redevelopment of Berlin's Olympic Stadium.
- 2002 — Started his independent player advisory practice.
- 2005 — Second residence in Sweden with extensive professional activity.
- 2006 — Team Liaison Officer for the U.S. men's national team at the World Cup in Germany.
- 2011 — Team Liaison Officer for the U.S. women's national team at the World Cup in Germany.
- 2015 — Began his work as an expert commentator for ZDF.
- 2020 — Published his first book "Der runden Leidenschaft erlegen".
- 2021 — Lectureship at the IFI — International Football Institute.
- 2026 — Co-founded Sports Leadership Coaching with Dr. Thomas Knoop.
Book
Der runden Leidenschaft erlegen (2020) — a journey along the traces of football and its venues. German edition.