The ZDF surprises Mertesacker with an icy farewell gesture
In the light of the Allianz Arena, after Germany's 2-0 win over Serbia in the Nations League match in Munich, Per Mertesacker said goodbye to his role as a ZDF expert – and was surprised by a black ice tub that the team had prepared for him, causing laughter among the audience.
Last Assignment and New Job
The Nations League duel between Germany and Serbia, which ended 2-0, provided the setting for Mertesacker's final appearance and last stint as an expert. In Munich, during Thursday evening, the 42-year-old man said farewell to his microphone position.
After six years in the ZDF studio, the former world champion's time as an analyst comes to an end. From 1 January 2027, he will take on the role of Managing Director of Sport at the DFB, succeeding Andreas Rettig. He will therefore be responsible for the DFB's overall sporting strategy for the coming years.
ZDF will not broadcast any further international matches in 2026, which also marks the end of the long‑standing expert duo with Christoph Kramer. Thus a chapter closes that Mertesacker shaped together with other presenters and reporters.
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Icy Farewell Gesture and Reactions
To conclude, the team prepared an unusual farewell gift: a black ice tub. ZDF presenter Jochen Breyer announced it at the end of the broadcast with the words: “It is an ice tub.”
Reporter Boris Büchler brought the ice tub onto the pitch of the Allianz Arena and handed it over with a wink. When asked whether he should climb in, he replied: “No, but if it ever gets heated between you and Klopp – you can always go in to cool down.” The reporter’s action created a cheerful atmosphere in the stadium and was enthusiastically received by those present.
Mertesacker, 1.98 metres tall, accepted the challenge and laughed as he climbed into the empty tub. He commented: “If it ever gets heated again, I can also go right in deep.”
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For reference: Büchler had already interviewed Mertesacker after the 2-1 extra‑time victory in the 2014 World Cup round of 16 against Algeria – a conversation that then turned into the legendary “ice tub” speech.