Axel Schuster joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in November 2019 following over two decades working in Germany with Bundesliga clubs 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Schalke 04. In October 2022, Schuster agreed to a four-year contract extension through 2026. Reporting to ownership, Schuster oversees all aspects of the club in his role as chief executive officer and sporting director, including the business side of the club, as well as the technical side, from youth to first team.
During his first five seasons in Vancouver, Schuster has guided the club to record attendance numbers, build a robust recruitment department, qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs berths in three of the last four seasons (2021, 2023, 2024), and won three consecutive TELUS Canadian Championships (2022-2024).
Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Schuster spent three years as the senior director of professional football for FC Schalke 04. During his time with the Royal Blues, the first team finished second overall in the 2017/18 Bundesliga season and advanced to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League. Schuster also spearheaded the development and execution of a global scouting department with Schalke.
Schuster originally started his career at 1. FSV Mainz 05 as a youth coach, which quickly evolved into the role of youth director, and soon after head of football operations. During his 22 years at Mainz, Schuster worked closely with the club’s head coaches including Jürgen Klopp, which saw the club earn promotion to the Bundesliga and a spot in the UEFA Cup for the first time in club history. The club also played in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League under head coaches Thomas Tuchel and Kasper Hjulmand. At the youth level, the club’s U-19 team won the 2009 championship.
Schuster studied law at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, holds a UEFA A Licence, and is fluent in German, English, and Spanish.