Horst Steffen

Steffen began his youth career at Bayer Uerdingen in 1975 and was part of the U19 team that won the German championship in 1987. He made his professional debut for the club in 1988 and played 90 Bundesliga matches until 1991. In 1991, he joined Borussia Mönchengladbach, making 24 competitive appearances over two seasons and scoring once in the 1992–93 DFB-Pokal. After limited opportunities under coach Bernd Krauss, he returned to Uerdingen in 1993, where he played for three more years. In 1996, Steffen moved to MSV Duisburg, where he spent three seasons in the Bundesliga (36 matches) and three in the 2. Bundesliga (40 matches).

Steffen made ten appearances for the West Germany U21.

Early career

Steffen coached SC Kapellen-Erft, leading them to promotion to the Oberliga Niederrhein in the 2003–04 season. He later worked with the U23 and U19 teams at MSV Duisburg, and with Borussia Mönchengladbach's U17 and U19 teams.

Stuttgarter Kickers

On 30 September 2013, he became head coach of 3. Liga side Stuttgarter Kickers. His contract, initially set to run until 2015, was extended but terminated in November 2015 following poor results.

Preußen Münster and Chemnitzer FC

Steffen was appointed head coach of SC Preußen Münster in December 2015 but was dismissed in October 2016. He later joined Chemnitzer FC for the 2017–18 season, but was released in January 2018.

SV Elversberg

On 29 October 2018, Steffen took over SV Elversberg in the Regionalliga Südwest. He led the club to promotion to the 3. Liga in 2021–22 and then to the 2. Bundesliga in 2022–23. Under his guidance, the team finished 11th in their debut second-division season and 3rd in the following campaign, narrowly missing out on Bundesliga promotion after losing the play-offs against 1. FC Heidenheim.

Werder Bremen

On 29 May 2025, Steffen became the head coach of Bundesliga club SV Werder Bremen, signing a contract until 2028. He was sacked on 1 February 2026.

Player Borussia Mönchengladbach

DFB-Pokal runner-up: 1991–92 MSV Duisburg

DFB-Pokal runner-up: 1997–98 Manager SV Elversberg

3. Liga: 2022–23 Regionalliga Südwest: 2021–22