Jurgen Klopp to Receive Prestigious Walther Bensemann Prize for Leadership, Humour, and Love for Football's Roots
Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp is set to receive the 2025 Walther Bensemann Prize, one of Germany’s most distinguished football honours. The award, named after Kicker magazine founder Walther Bensemann, recognises individuals who use football to promote human values, intercultural understanding, and fair play.
Jurgen Klopp will be honoured with the 2025 Walther Bensemann Prize for embodying football’s values, humour, and intercultural unity.
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The award celebrates Klopp’s exceptional leadership, humour, and deep appreciation for football’s foundations. His ability to inspire players and fans alike has earned him recognition beyond trophies, marking him as one of the most respected figures in global football.
The Walther Bensemann Prize, first presented in 2006, has honoured legendary figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Vicente del Bosque, Joachim Löw, and Christian Streich. Each recipient reflects the spirit of Bensemann, who championed football as a unifying global language rooted in fairness and respect.
Klopp’s influence extends beyond his success with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund. The award jury described him as a “bridge-builder for football,” praising his authenticity, humour, and commitment to preserving the sport’s humanity. During his nine years at Liverpool, he revitalised the club, guiding it to the Champions League title in 2019 and ending its 30-year Premier League drought in 2020.
The committee highlighted Klopp’s human approach in a sport often driven by business and competition. Known for his empathy and humour, he continues to promote unity, inclusion, and passion for the game. Reflecting these values, Klopp will donate the €10,000 prize money to KickIn – Advice Center for Inclusion in Football, an organisation supporting disabled fans in Germany.
The Walther Bensemann Prize honours individuals who uphold football’s moral and cultural legacy. Bensemann, who founded Kicker in 1920, envisioned the sport as a force for social connection and mutual respect. The jury’s decision to honour Klopp reinforces that vision, acknowledging a leader whose charisma and compassion have influenced generations of players and supporters.
Kicker’s Thiemo Müller described Klopp as “a worthy award winner and a bridge-builder for football,” noting that his refreshing humour and authenticity mirror the ideals of Bensemann. He praised Klopp’s commitment to valuing football as a tool for intercultural understanding, both as a coach and public figure.
The 2025 Walther Bensemann Prize will be officially presented at a gala organised by the German Academy for Football Culture in Nuremberg’s Tafelhalle on October 24. The ceremony will also include awards for Football Quote of the Year, Football Book of the Year, and the Fan Award, with Kicker streaming the event live.
Jurgen Klopp’s recognition with the Walther Bensemann Prize cements his legacy not only as a winning manager but also as a symbol of integrity, empathy, and genuine love for football’s roots.
