Peter Knäbel: The man who navigates crises and shapes talent

“I am deeply grateful for the clear vote and the broad support and trust. This gives me motivation, courage, and determination.”

With these words, Peter Knäbel accepted his new role as president of the Swiss Football Association (SFV) in May 2025 – and thus wrote another chapter in a remarkably successful life’s work.

From promising young talent to forward-thinking official

Born in Witten in 1966, Knäbel began his career as a talented midfielder. Early on, in 1984, he won the European Championship with the U16 national team. His active career took him to VfL Bochum, FC St. Pauli – a formative period for him – FC Nuremberg and FC Winterthur, where he moved into management as a player-coach. 

From the field to leadership: a pioneer in Swiss soccer

In 2003, Knäbel moved into administration, becoming technical director of FC Basel. Just a few years later, he was promoted to technical director of the Swiss Football Association (2009–2014), a role in which he had a lasting impact on the development of soccer. 

Under Knäbel’s leadership, an impressive generation of talent matured: players such as Xhaka, Shaqiri, and Sommer later made their mark on the national and international stage – proof of his ability to recognize and nurture long-term potential.

Landing in the thick of it: leadership at Schalke 04

In 2014, he was appointed director of professional football at Hamburger SV, later becoming an advisor to clubs such as FC Zurich and VfB Stuttgart. But perhaps he made his biggest impression at Schalke 04 from 2018 to 2023: initially responsible for talent development, he became sporting director in March 2021. In turbulent times – with relegation and subsequent immediate promotion – he steered the club through complex sporting and financial challenges.

The foundation stone – restructuring after relegation

After Schalke 04 was relegated from the Bundesliga in the summer of 2021, Peter Knäbel took on one of the club’s biggest challenges in his role as sporting director. Together with sporting director Rouven Schröder, he initiated a radical new beginning: 18 players were replaced, 22 extended contracts were terminated, and salary costs were massively reduced – cost management with a clear strategy. The changes were intended not only to stabilize the club in sporting terms, but also to make it economically viable again.

This phase was not a cosmetic correction, but a radical overhaul: Knäbel ensured that Schalke was not only categorically revived, but also able to develop long-term prospects. His credo: transparency, discipline and a sense of responsibility as the basis for sustainable change.

He stood firm in the midst of the relegation thriller and, despite massive internal and external expectations, remained true to his humanity and composure: “Together, we have stabilized the club—despite debts, COVID-19, and the loss of sponsors.” 

Peter Knäbel – Moderator, expert, visionary

With his latest move as SFV president, Knäbel is sending a strong signal: not only to be responsible for sporting development, but also to think ahead about soccer as a social force. His career spans from the playing field to management to strategic leadership – versatile, profound, and rich in experience.

Why Peter Knäbel needs your stage

• Resilience & crisis management: Proven during sporting setbacks – and successful comebacks.
• Talent management with vision: Developer of stars such as Xhaka and Shaqiri.
• Straightforward communication: He combines authority with empathy – a real anchor of trust.
• Global perspective: Experienced in the international soccer environment and now a leader in Swiss soccer.

Book Peter Knäbel exclusively through Premium Speakers

If you are looking for a speaker who combines sports, leadership, crisis management, and long-term strategy – Peter Knäbel is your choice. Whether as a keynote speaker, talk guest, or expert – his experience speaks for itself.

Leadership at all levels

Peter Knäbel is more than a soccer manager. He is a strategist, a source of inspiration, and a crowd pleaser – a speaker who speaks from passion, experience, and conviction. With him, you bring a man onto the stage who both makes fields bloom and navigates crises with confidence.

Book Peter Knäbel for a lecture via Premium Speakers: 1 (704) 804 1054 or peter.knaebel@premium-speakers.com