INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – Renowned German football manager Jürgen Klopp was awarded the Bundesverdienstkreuz, Germany’s highest civilian honor, on Tuesday, October 2nd, by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace in Berlin.

Klopp was among 28 recipients recognized for their “outstanding contributions to democratic values.” The award acknowledges his significant impact on the world of football and his role in promoting tolerance and solidarity.
“Why me? And for what?” Klopp questioned, expressing his gratitude and humility to be among “extraordinary people with extraordinary stories.”
The 57-year-old Stuttgart native, who had a modest playing career, found his true calling in coaching. He led Mainz 05 to the Bundesliga, Germany’s top division, for the first time in the club’s history in 2004. He then went on to achieve remarkable success with Borussia Dortmund, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010 and 2011.
Klopp’s nine-year tenure with Liverpool in the English Premier League saw him bring the club its first league title in over 25 years, as well as the 2019 Champions League trophy. He stepped down at the end of last season, citing the need for a break.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Klopp’s leadership style and outspokenness on social issues have resonated with fans and players alike. He has been lauded for his commitment to supporting underprivileged youth and his advocacy for tolerance and solidarity. He is often referred to as “the most popular German in Great Britain.”
As recipient of the 2019 German Football Ambassador Award and the inaugural winner of the German-British Friendship Award in 2021, Klopp has been credited with enhancing Germany’s image abroad.
While declining to comment on current political developments in Germany, Klopp focused on his decade in England and the contributions he made there.
“I feel honored for the role I played in the relationship between Germany and England. Especially how people in England view Germany. Over the last nine years, my family and I did that together. We showed that Germans are pretty good too,” said Klopp.
“Conversely, that’s what I experienced, because when I arrived in England in 2015/2016, when Brexit came up, I was so happy to see what the majority of British people were like, the really good people.”
Klopp is currently enjoying an “indefinite break” from football, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the sport. He has long been considered a strong candidate to coach the German national team someday.
However, he dismissed speculation on Tuesday in Berlin, praising the work of current national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, 37.
“Everyone hopes that Julian Nagelsmann will continue to work until beyond 2026,” said Klopp, referring to the end date of Nagelsmann’s current contract.
This version of the news article focuses on Klopp’s achievements both on and off the field, emphasizing his impact on football and his social contributions. The title highlights the dual nature of his recognition, acknowledging both his sporting accomplishments and his broader societal influence. (Red)