Jürgen Klopp is a highly esteemed German professional football manager and former player.
Until recently, he held the position of manager at the Premier League club Liverpool, earning widespread recognition as one of the top football managers globally.
Early life and Education
Jürgen Norbert Klopp, born on June 16, 1967, in Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, was raised in the countryside of the Black Forest village of Glatten near Freudenstadt with his two older sisters. His parents are Elisabeth and Norbert Klopp, with his father being a travelling salesman and former goalkeeper.
Career
Klopp’s football journey began in his hometown of Stuttgart, where he played for local clubs SV Glatten and TuS Ergenzingen during his youth. He later moved to several Frankfurt clubs before eventually joining Mainz 05 in 1990. Klopp’s passion for the game led him to pursue a career in professional football, despite initially aspiring to become a doctor. He transitioned from playing to managing after retiring as a player, taking over as Mainz 05’s manager in 2001. Under his leadership, Mainz achieved promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history. Klopp’s success caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund, where he went on to win two Bundesliga titles and reached the UEFA Champions League final. In 2015, Klopp became the manager of Liverpool, leading the club to multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His tactical acumen and leadership qualities have earned him widespread acclaim in the football world.
Personal life
Jürgen Klopp’s personal life reflects a blend of family and friendship. He was previously married to Sabine, with whom he shares a son named Marc, born in 1988. Marc has pursued a football career, playing for various German clubs. In 2005, Klopp remarried, tying the knot with Ulla Sandrock, a social worker and children’s writer whom he met during an Oktoberfest celebration. Ulla has a son named Dennis from a previous marriage. Tragically, Klopp faced the loss of his mother, Elisabeth, in February 2021, amidst the challenges of COVID-19 travel restrictions preventing him from attending her funeral in Germany.
In addition to family ties, Klopp shares a strong bond with fellow manager David Wagner, whom he met during their playing days at Mainz. Wagner even served as best man at Klopp’s 2005 wedding, cementing their enduring friendship. Klopp’s faith is also a significant aspect of his life. As a Lutheran, he has openly discussed the importance of his religious beliefs, particularly emphasizing their significance following the passing of his father in 1998.
In 2005, Klopp transitioned into television, serving as a regular expert commentator on the German network ZDF, where he provided analysis on the Germany national team. His expertise extended to the international stage, as he worked as a match analyst during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, earning recognition with the Deutscher Fernsehpreis for “Best Sports Show” in October 2006. Klopp continued his television appearances, contributing to Euro 2008. However, his tenure concluded after the tournament, with Oliver Kahn succeeding him. Klopp returned to television during the 2010 World Cup, collaborating with RTL alongside Günther Jauch, securing another award for the same category. Additionally, Klopp has made appearances in documentary films such as “Trainer!” (2013) and “Und vorne hilft der liebe Gott” (2016).
Net Worth
Undisclosed