Lasse Lehmann: From Striker to Sports Executive
The sports world often witnesses players who excel on the field before moving into influential roles off it. One such personality is Lasse Lehmann, a German former professional footballer who played as a striker and has since transitioned into sports management and operations. Known for his unique family background — the son of former footballer Knut Reinhardt and stepson of legendary German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann — his career story blends football heritage, athletic achievement, and innovative leadership. Today, he is shaping the future of modern sports in the United Kingdom as Director of Operations and Sports UK at the Baller League.
Early Life and Family Background
A Football Heritage
Born on 20 May 1996 in Germany, Lasse Lehmann grew up surrounded by football at the highest level. His father, Knut Reinhardt, played for Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, while his stepfather, Jens Lehmann, earned global recognition as Germany’s national team goalkeeper and Premier League star at Arsenal. His mother, Conny Lehmann, and his sibling, Mats Lehmann, complete the family connection. With such a deep sporting lineage, football was always destined to play a central role in his life.
Education Foundations
Lehmann attended the Munich International School, where he earned the International Baccalaureate. This international education fostered adaptability and prepared him for academic life abroad, particularly in the United States, where he would later combine top-level sport with higher education.
Football Career
Professional Beginnings in Germany
In 2015, Lasse Lehmann signed with SV Stuttgarter Kickers, a club competing in Germany’s third division. As a striker, he demonstrated his attacking instincts and physical presence on the pitch. His development was praised under coach Tomislav Stipic, who played a pivotal role in revitalising the club and maximising Lehmann’s potential.
NCAA Division I Soccer in the United States
To pursue both sport and education, Lehmann moved to the United States to join Boston College in 2016. Over the next four years, he left a lasting mark on the university’s football programme:
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Position: Striker, leading the line with consistent performances.
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Appearances: 66 matches played across four seasons.
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Leadership: Served as team captain, respected for his drive and discipline.
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Scholarship: Recipient of a full athletic scholarship funded by the Flynn Fund.
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Recognition: Named to the All-ACC Freshman Team, highlighting his immediate impact.
These years not only developed his footballing skills but also built the leadership qualities that would serve him in his post-playing career.
Transition from the Pitch to Business
Investment and Advisory Foundations
After his playing days, Lehmann pursued professional opportunities in the sports business sector. His first step was an internship at Quattrex Sports AG, where he worked as a Sports Investment Analyst. This early exposure to the financial side of sport broadened his perspective beyond the pitch.
Global Founders Capital
In 2020, he joined Global Founders Capital, one of Europe’s largest venture capital funds with investments in global giants such as Zalando, Delivery Hero, and Revolut. Working in VC and growth equity, Lehmann gained hands-on experience in evaluating businesses, structuring deals, and supporting the growth of ambitious start-ups.
Tifosy Capital & Advisory
From August 2021 to January 2022, Lehmann worked in Business Development at Tifosy Capital & Advisory, a firm specialising in sports finance and advisory services. There he contributed to mergers and acquisitions, debt structuring, and capital raising within the sports sector, enhancing his expertise in financial and strategic operations.
Leadership at Baller League
Director of Operations and Sports UK
In October 2023, Lasse Lehmann took on his current role as Director of Operations and Sports UK for the Baller League, a new-generation six-a-side football competition. The Baller League blends football with entertainment, digital innovation, and media partnerships, attracting fans and players across Europe.
Operating from London in a hybrid role, Lehmann is responsible for overseeing the league’s expansion into the United Kingdom, ensuring both operational efficiency and sporting integrity.
Public Engagement and Transparency
His leadership style is highly visible. In March 2025, during the inaugural UK season, Lehmann personally addressed fans and media when explaining a refereeing decision, showcasing his commitment to fairness, transparency, and communication. This approach reflects his broader philosophy: sport must not only entertain but also inspire trust.
Education and Academic Focus
Lehmann balanced his footballing commitments with academic achievement. At Boston College, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, providing him with analytical skills and a grounding in business fundamentals. His educational background complements his hands-on experience in finance, investment, and sports operations.
Skills and Professional Strengths
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Leadership: From captaincy on the field to directing sports operations off it.
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Strategic Vision: Proven ability to link football knowledge with commercial insight.
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Global Outlook: Experience in Germany, the United States, and the UK offers him an international perspective.
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Adaptability: Transitioned successfully from professional striker to executive leader.
Personal Identity and Legacy
Although widely recognised as the stepson of Jens Lehmann, Lasse Lehmann has built an independent identity that goes beyond family ties. His achievements as a striker in Germany and the United States, coupled with his executive roles in investment and sports operations, demonstrate resilience and ambition. With his unique background, he stands as a new-generation sports leader who understands both the passion of the game and the complexity of the business.
Conclusion
The story of Lasse Lehmann is one of evolution and versatility. From his early days as a striker in Germany’s professional leagues, to captaining Boston College in the NCAA, and now spearheading operations at the Baller League in London, he represents the modern trajectory of a footballer-turned-executive.
Rooted in a family of footballing icons yet carving out his own path, Lehmann bridges the worlds of sport, business, and innovation. As the sports industry continues to merge with entertainment and digital experiences, leaders like him are setting the pace. With his vision and drive, Lasse Lehmann truly embodies the future of sport.
