Who is Daniel Farke?
Daniel Farke is a German professional football manager and former player, currently serving as the head coach of Leeds United. Born on October 30, 1976, in Büren-Steinhausen, Germany, Farke has built a reputation for guiding teams to promotion, having achieved this feat three times in his managerial career. His coaching journey includes notable stints at Norwich City, where he secured two promotions to the Premier League, and at Borussia Mönchengladbach. In 2023, he took over at Leeds United and led them back to the Premier League in the 2024–25 season.
🎓 Early Life and Education
Daniel Farke was born on October 30, 1976, in Steinhausen, a small town in West Germany. Growing up in a football-loving environment, Farke was deeply involved in the sport from a young age. While information about his academic background is limited, his early focus was on football, which led him to pursue a professional playing career. His experiences as a forward helped shape his later success as a manager.
⚽ Career
➤ Playing Career
Daniel Farke began his playing career at local clubs in Germany. Though he never played in the Bundesliga, he enjoyed a respectable career in the lower tiers of German football. His most notable stints include SV Lippstadt, where he returned multiple times during his career, and SV Meppen.
➤ Transition to Management
After retiring as a player, Farke transitioned into coaching with his beloved SV Lippstadt 08, where he managed from 2009 to 2015. Under his guidance, the team saw promotion and solid performance, making him an attractive managerial prospect.
➤ Rise to Prominence at Norwich City
In 2017, Farke took charge of Norwich City in England. Over four seasons, he led the team to two Championship titles and two promotions to the Premier League (2018–19, 2020–21). His focus on youth development, ball possession, and counter-pressing made Norwich a standout team in the Championship.
➤ Brief Stint in Russia and Return to Germany
In 2022, he briefly joined Krasnodar in Russia but departed before managing a game due to geopolitical issues. Later that year, he signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he spent one season in the Bundesliga.
➤ Current Role at Leeds United
Since 2023, Farke has been the manager of Leeds United, tasked with bringing the historic club back to the Premier League. As of 2025, he has guided the club to one of its most consistent seasons in years, developing a reputation for rebuilding teams and fostering resilient playing squads.
👪 Family
Information about Daniel Farke’s parents or siblings is not publicly available, reflecting his preference for maintaining a low profile regarding his family.
However, it’s believed that his family has been supportive of his football career from its inception, playing a vital role during his transition from player to coach.
🧬 Personal Life
Daniel Farke is known for keeping his personal life private. Though not much is publicly disclosed about his relationships or family life, he is described by peers and players as humble, disciplined, and grounded. Off the pitch, he is said to enjoy quiet time, reading about strategy, and spending time with close friends and family.
🏟️ Daniel Farke Career Table
| Year(s) | Role | Club/Team | League/Level | Achievements/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s–2008 | Player (Forward) | SV Lippstadt 08, SV Meppen | German Lower Leagues | Played primarily in lower-tier German football |
| 2009–2015 | Head Coach | SV Lippstadt 08 | Oberliga/Regionalliga | Promoted club from sixth to fourth tier in German system |
| 2015–2017 | Reserve Team Coach | Borussia Dortmund II | Regionalliga West | Developed youth talent, caught attention of bigger clubs |
| 2017–2021 | Head Coach | Norwich City (England) | EFL Championship / Premier League | Won Championship titles in 2019 and 2021 |
| 2021 | Head Coach | Norwich City | Premier League | Sacked after poor performance early in the season |
| 2022 (brief) | Head Coach | FC Krasnodar (Russia) | Russian Premier League | Left without managing due to Russia-Ukraine conflict |
| 2022–2023 | Head Coach | Borussia Mönchengladbach | Bundesliga | Finished mid-table, left after one season |
| 2023–Present | Head Coach | Leeds United | EFL Championship | Promoted to Premier League in 2025 |
For those interested in exploring more inspiring sports figures, don’t miss our feature on Emma Raducanu, the British tennis sensation who captivated the world with her historic US Open victory. Additionally, if you’re keen on long-distance running, check out this detailed biography of John Korir, a Kenyan athlete known for his resilience and impressive marathon performances.
🧾 Detailed Biography Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Farke |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1976 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 48 years |
| Place of Birth | Büren-Steinhausen, Germany |
| Nationality | German |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Coaching Licence | UEFA Pro Licence |
| Current Club | Leeds United (Head Coach) |
| Preferred Formation | 4-2-3-1 |
| Agent | VIDA 11 |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $5 million |
📱 Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Handle | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @1fakrn | instagram.com/1fakrn | |
| @officialdanielfarke | instagram.com/officialdanielfarke |
Note: Daniel Farke maintains a low profile on social media, and these accounts have limited activity.
📰 Latest News: Promotion Amidst Uncertainty
As of April 23, 2025, Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds United is uncertain despite leading the team to a dominant 6–0 victory over Stoke City, securing their promotion to the Premier League. The club’s American owners are reportedly considering a managerial change, citing concerns over Farke’s previous Premier League record with Norwich City, where he managed only six wins in 49 matches. While Farke has achieved three promotions to the Premier League in his career, the owners are evaluating whether he is the right fit to ensure top-flight survival for Leeds United. Farke remains under contract, but the club has yet to make a final decision regarding his tenure.
📏 Height & Physical Appearance
Standing at 1.84 meters (6 feet), Daniel Farke presents a commanding presence on the sidelines. He is often seen in professional attire during matches, reflecting his meticulous approach to management. His composed demeanor and analytical mindset are evident in his coaching style, emphasizing structured play and tactical discipline.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
Daniel Farke’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $5 million. This valuation accounts for his earnings from managerial roles in Germany and England, including his tenure at Norwich City, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Leeds United. His financial standing reflects his growing reputation in European football circles.
FAQs
Q: Who has Daniel Farke managed?
A: Daniel Farke has managed SV Lippstadt 08, Borussia Dortmund II, Norwich City, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Leeds United. He also briefly signed with FC Krasnodar but did not manage a game.
Q: What is Daniel Farke’s win percentage?
A: As of 2025, Daniel Farke’s average win percentage across his managerial career is approximately 45%, varying by club and competition.
Q: Are Leeds promoted to the Premier League?
A: Yes, Leeds United have been promoted to the Premier League under Daniel Farke after a strong Championship season.
Q: How do you pronounce Daniel Farke?
A: Daniel Farke is pronounced “FAHR-kuh.”
