How Klopp and Streich
Heidenheim coach Schmidt receives the Order of Merit
09.05.2025 – 10:41 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
This honor is not common for a football coach. Frank Schmidt is awarded the Order of Merit – and thus converts on the footsteps of two famous colleagues.
Frank Schmidt was honored for his extraordinary achievements at the 1st FC Heidenheim. The long-time coach of the Bundesliga club received the Order of Merit in the State of Baden-Württemberg on Friday. Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann presented him with the award in the Mannheim baroque castle – together with 23 other personalities.
Schmidt has been on the sidelines of the club from the Swabian Alb since 2007. At over 17 years in office, he is the longest -serving trainer in German professional football. In the reasoning of the State Ministry, it stated that he had led the FCH to “unprecedented success”. His work is characterized by “trust, respect and hard work”.
Schmidt shaped the sporty path of the club right from the start: When he took over the team, Heidenheim still played in the Oberliga. In 2023 the promotion to the Bundesliga was made for the first time, followed by the qualification for Conference League – the first participation in a European competition in club history. The FCH is currently fighting as a table. To stay in the class.
The Order of Merit is the highest award in the state of Baden-Württemberg. He recognizes special merits in politics, society, culture and economy. Trainers like Jürgen Klopp and Christian Streich have already been honored with the order.