He received the Federal Cross of Merit, the name of the insignia that is awarded, according to its own rules, to individuals "extremely committed to the values of democracy."
Jurgen Klopp was awarded the Order of Merit of Germany on Tuesday, a significant recognition that highlights not only his achievements in football but also his role as a cultural ambassador for his country.
The country’s highest civil honor, the Federal Cross of Merit, is bestowed on individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to democratic values, and Klopp was recognized for both his contributions to the sport and his positive image worldwide. The ceremony, held at Bellevue Castle in Berlin, was presided over by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who praised Klopp’s accomplishments and his influence beyond the football pitch.
Klopp’s charismatic personality and leadership have made him a beloved figure in the football community, but what sets him apart is his approach to both football and life. As the Federal Presidency noted, despite his numerous victories and the fame that followed, Klopp has always remained grounded. His humility and dedication to his players are key components of his success. “Success and fame never prevented him from paying attention to each athlete individually and seeing them as people,” said President Steinmeier during the ceremony, highlighting Klopp’s ability to foster a sense of unity and personal development among his players.
Klopp’s impact extends beyond football. His commitment to social causes and his engagement with the communities he has lived and worked in were particularly noted. In Liverpool, Klopp became a symbol of German excellence and integrity, helping to foster positive perceptions of his home country in the United Kingdom. "In Liverpool, the most popular German in the United Kingdom contributed significantly to creating a positive image of our country,” President Steinmeier added. Klopp’s work with various charities, his efforts to engage with fans, and his dedication to social justice have cemented his reputation as a socially committed figure.
The award came during a period of reflection for Klopp, who has been on a sabbatical since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2022/23 season after nine years of unprecedented success with the club. Klopp’s time at Liverpool is the stuff of legend. When he took over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, the club was in need of revitalization. Klopp’s "heavy metal" style of football a high-intensity, attacking philosophy quickly took hold, and Liverpool began its ascent back to the top of European football.
Under Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for the English Premier League title in 2020, a triumph that remains one of the club’s crowning achievements. In addition to the Premier League title, Klopp guided the team to a Champions League victory in 2019, an FA Cup win, a League Cup triumph, an English Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a European Super Cup. His tenure was defined by the development of a team that played with passion, discipline, and a sense of camaraderie, embodying Klopp’s philosophy of togetherness and resilience. Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Virgil van Dijk thrived under his leadership, and Liverpool became one of the most feared teams in world football.
Klopp’s 23-year coaching career has been remarkable for its consistency and longevity. He has only managed three clubs, beginning with Mainz, where he started his coaching career after hanging up his boots in 2001. Klopp’s seven-year spell at Mainz saw him guide the club into the Bundesliga for the first time in its history, establishing himself as a rising star in German football. His success at Mainz caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, who appointed him in 2008.
It was at Dortmund that Klopp’s reputation as one of the world’s best managers truly took shape. Over the course of seven years, Klopp led Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12, breaking Bayern Munich’s stranglehold on the league. His Dortmund side played an electrifying brand of football, with high pressing, quick transitions, and an emphasis on youth development. Players like Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan, and Marco Reus flourished under his guidance. In 2013, Klopp’s Dortmund reached the Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich. Despite the defeat, that campaign solidified Klopp’s status as a manager capable of competing with the very best.
During his time at Dortmund, Klopp also collected three German Super Cups and a German Cup, further cementing his legacy. His tenure at the club left an indelible mark on both Dortmund and German football as a whole. Even after his departure, his influence remained evident, with many of his former players going on to have successful careers at the highest levels of the game.
Klopp’s career has been defined not just by his tactical acumen but also by his ability to connect with people. Whether it’s fans, players, or the broader community, Klopp’s leadership style emphasizes empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose. As President Steinmeier remarked during the award ceremony, Klopp’s ability to balance success with humility and his dedication to improving the lives of others make him a deserving recipient of the Federal Cross of Merit.
As Klopp contemplates his next move in football, whether it be returning to coaching or continuing his sabbatical, his legacy is already assured. His impact on football, his players, and the communities he’s been part of will be remembered for years to come. This latest honor from his home country is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to both football and society.
