On 1 November 2017, former Swiss international goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler took up a part-time role as a goalkeeper specialist at FIFA, where he will oversee the education of goalkeepers around the globe. The 46-year-old’s main duties at world football’s governing body will include the further development of goalkeeper training and the educational structures in place all around the world, particularly in areas where only basic work has been done so far. He will also assume the role of an observer and support the development of football and goalkeeping in particular.
“We are delighted that Pascal has accepted our offer,” said FIFA Deputy Secretary General (Football) Zvonimir Boban. “Zubi can call upon a great deal of experience from his football career, and he is undoubtedly one of the legends of Swiss football. Thanks to his passion for the game, he has a remarkable ability to pass his know-how on to others, whether they are instructors or young goalkeepers. FIFA wants to strengthen goalkeeping all around the world and step up education in this area. We have no doubt whatsoever that Zubi will do some excellent work for us, and we welcome him to our team.”
During his career, Zuberbuhler played for Grasshopper Club Zurich, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Aarau, FC Basel, West Bromwich Albion, Neuchâtel Xamax and Fulham. He also won 51 caps for Switzerland and played 35 games in the UEFA Champions League. He also set a special record at Germany 2006 by becoming the first and to date only goalkeeper to have been knocked out of a FIFA World Cup™ without conceding a single goal. As a goalkeeper coach, he has worked for various clubs, including Fulham, BSC Young Boys Berne, Servette FC and Derby County. He has also been employed as a Swiss football pundit by Swiss pay-TV channel Teleclub since 2013.
“I am incredibly proud to be able to join what is already a strong and highly qualified team at FIFA,” said Zuberbuhler. “It is a dream come true. I would like to thank FIFA’s management for the trust they have placed in me. FIFA takes its responsibilities to education and development very seriously. I am absolutely convinced by the new administration’s project, which is why it didn’t take me long to accept the offer. This new management is definitly more focused on football and this makes me feel very comfortable. I am looking forward to the work that lies ahead of me, and even more to playing a part in the development of football around the world.”
