Sebastian Rode has returned to Eintracht Frankfurt to begin a one-year trainee program. The 35-year-old former professional footballer will undertake both sport-related and administrative training as part of his preparation for a career in club management.
Rode ended his active playing career in May 2024 at the age of 33. After a two-year break from professional football, he now takes on a new role within the club's offices. The program is designed to equip him for future work in football management. Eintracht Frankfurt currently sit eighth in the Bundesliga table with one point from one match and host fourth-placed FC Augsburg at Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
What does the trainee program involve?
Sebastian Rode will complete his training at the Profileistungszentrum and EintrachtLab facilities located within Deutsche Bank Park. The focus is on a blend of sport-related and administrative duties. This includes supporting various matchday tasks away from the pitch. The former midfielder told reporters: "It's no secret that Eintracht Frankfurt was the most formative period of my footballing life and I have been training with the club for several years."
Axel Hellmann, board spokesman for Eintracht Frankfurt, described Rode as a prime example of integrating former players. Hellmann stated that Rode made himself immortal in a sporting sense at the club. The team has scored three goals and conceded three so far this season, resulting in a neutral goal difference. The squad is currently without attackers Ansgar Knauff and Jessic Ngankam, whose status can be tracked on our injuries page.
What is Rode's connection to Eintracht Frankfurt?
Sebastian Rode spent a total of around ten years of his playing career at Eintracht Frankfurt. He transferred from the club to FC Bayern in 2014 and returned from Borussia Dortmund in 2019. The defensive midfielder made 278 competitive appearances for the Eagles. He won the Europa League with Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Rode described his time at Eintracht as the most defining phase of his football life.
"That's why I am very thankful to the club for giving me the opportunity to get involved and continue learning here, in the heart of Europe," said Rode. "From my time as a player, I know how this club ticks." The club currently trails league leaders Bayern Munich by two points. The full table and further statistics are available on our Bundesliga standings page.
How does the program fit the current club strategy?
Integrating former players like Sebastian Rode into the club's structure is a stated aim for Eintracht Frankfurt. The trainee program offers a structured way to gain first-hand experience in various departments. For Rode, it is a chance to learn about and support the club he fought for on the pitch for so many years, now from behind the scenes.
Eintracht are currently preparing for their home match against FC Augsburg. This fixture on the coming Sunday is the next game on the fixtures list for the team. Sebastian Rode's one-year trainee program at Eintracht Frankfurt begins immediately.
