Luc Holtz (born 14 June 1969) is a Luxembourgish professional football manager and former international player. He is the current manager of German club SV Waldhof Mannheim. He previously coached the Luxembourg national football team from 2010 to 2025, having played for the team from 1991 to 2002.[1][2]
A central midfield playmaker, Holtz started his career at Red Boys Differdange before joining Avenir Beggen for the 1992/1993 season. With Avenir Beggen he immediately won two successive league and cup doubles and he himself claimed the 1993 Luxembourgish Footballer of the Year award.
In 1999, he left them to become player/manager at Etzella Ettelbruck. With Etzella, he immediately won promotion to the Luxembourg National Division in his first season in charge. Also, he brought them their first major silverware by winning the cup in 2001. After relegation in 2002, they got promoted again at the first attempt. In 2003 and 2004 they lost two successive cup finals.
Holtz retired as a player at the end of the 2007/2008 season.
International career
Holtz made his debut for Luxembourg in an October 1991 friendly match against Portugal, which surprisingly ended in a 1–1 draw. He went on to earn 55 caps, scoring one goal.[3] He played in 15 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.[4]
He played his final international game in October 2002, a 0–7 loss against Romania.
Controversies and resignation
Holtz was embroiled in controversy in June 2025 after allowing Gerson Rodrigues to continue representing the Luxembourg national football team after Rodrigues's conviction for assault and battery, including one for domestic violence against his ex-partner. Despite receiving only a fine and a suspended sentence, Holtz stated that "everyone may express their view" and that he doesn't "feel called to judge".[5] Holtz responded to negative coverage by Julien Mollereau from Le Quotidien by excluding him from a press event, which has drawn accusations of violating press freedom.[6] Rodrigues's inclusion has drawn criticism from women's groups and politicians, including Corinne Cahen.
Following the controversy, on 9 July 2025, the FLF announced that Holtz's contract as manager would not be renewed, and would come to an end on 31 December 2025.[7] On 11 August, the federation announced that Holtz had resigned 'with immediate effect',[2] leading to the end of his 15-year stint as manager of the national team. At the time of his resignation, Holtz was the second-longest serving manager of a FIFA national team, behind Andorra's Koldo Álvarez. It was reported that Holtz was due to become the manager of 3. Liga side SV Waldhof Mannheim.[8] He was announced as the club's manager on 12 August 2025.
Personal life
Holtz's son, Kevin, is also a Luxembourg international footballer, making his debut under Luc.[9]
International goals
Scores and results list Luxembourg's goal tally first.
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