The Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Lars Hopp from Germany as the Head Coach of both the Vanuatu Men’s National Team and Vanuatu United FC.
Mr. Lars Hopp, aged 49, holds a UEFA Pro License and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). With over 20 years of coaching and leadership experience, including more than 100 international matches at youth and professional levels, he brings extensive expertise to both teams.
He will lead the teams to improve competitive performance and facilitate player development at domestic and international levels.
Career Highlights:
Since 2024 – FIFA Talent Coach, Uzbekistan
2021–2023 – First Team Coach, VfB Lübeck (Professional Team, Germany)
06–12 2021 – Head Coach, VfB Lübeck II / U23
2018–2019 – Academy Director, FSV Zwickau, Germany
2008–2018 – Estonian Football Association: Head Coach of U19, U17, and U15 National Teams
Head of Youth Football
Member of the National Youth Commission
2005–2006 – Assistant Coach, FC St. Pauli II, Germany
1996–2005 – semi-professional player in Germany, Norway and England
Head Coach’s Comment:
First of all, I want to thank the Vanuatu Football Federation and Vanuatu United FC for the trust and the warm welcome to your beautiful country.
I am looking forward to working with both teams, the club and the national team, and hopefully, together we can elevate football in Vanuatu to a higher level.
From what I have seen so far, I believe there is good potential, but also acknowledge a lot of work that needs to be done. For this, we will need everybody involved to help, and part of my job will be to try to make sure there is a pathway for everyone who wants to support.
