FC Basel president David Degen is celebrating a major personal milestone after becoming a father for the first time over the weekend, just days after his club suffered a disappointing home defeat that threatened their European qualification hopes.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Degen, 43, and his partner, German actress Vivien Wulf, 32, welcomed their first child together, though the couple has kept details about the baby’s name and gender private. The pregnancy had been kept under wraps, with no public announcement until news broke on Sunday.
The FC Basel boss had been vocal about his desire to start a family. In a December 2024 interview with CH Media, Degen stated, “I really aim for children. And I recognize that it has to happen soon—otherwise I’ll be too old.” Now, his wish has come true at a time when his professional life faces challenges.
Personal Joy Amidst Football Struggles
The news comes just days after FC Basel’s frustrating 2-0 home loss to Sion on Sunday, a result that dropped the team to fifth place in the Swiss Super League table with only four matches remaining. The defeat puts their chances of securing a European competition spot in serious jeopardy, marking a difficult period for the club both on and off the pitch.
Degen, who has served as FC Basel’s president since 2023, has had a long and successful football career, including stints with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Young Boys. His relationship with Wulf became public last summer after the two were spotted together at Basel’s championship celebration.
A New Chapter for the Couple
Wulf, known for her roles in popular German TV series like “Alarm für Cobra 11,” “Das Traumschiff,” and “Sturm der Liebe,” was previously married to former soccer player Alexander Dercho in 2023, though the marriage ended quickly. For Degen, who had been single for over a decade, this new chapter marks a significant shift in his personal life.
While the club has yet to officially confirm the birth, reports from multiple Swiss media outlets suggest the couple is overjoyed with their new arrival. For Degen, the timing couldn’t be better—a moment of personal triumph amid a challenging stretch for FC Basel.
As FC Basel fights to salvage their season, Degen can now focus on a different kind of victory—one that doesn’t depend on points, standings, or match results. For now, the club’s president has every reason to celebrate.
