The German Football Ambassador 2019, Jürgen Klopp, will officially receive his award during the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. Roland Bischof, initiator of the football ambassador idea, met the successful coach in Doha. „I have been to Qatar about 70 times and have known the country for 14 years – it is more possible to find an oasis of peace in Jürgen’s busy schedule here than in Europe,“ he smiles.
The successful Liverpool coach had already been awarded the title of German Football Ambassador before being awarded the title of World Coach, but was only able to attend the ceremony at the Foreign Office on video because he was in the hot phase of the league and the Champions League with Liverpool FC in May, which he later won.
So Jürgen Klopp and Roland Bischof arranged to meet in Doha and could officially hand over the trophy. The prize honours the appearance of German football personalities abroad and their contribution to the positive image of Germany in the world. Klopp, who enjoys sympathies around the globe, is aware of his exemplary function and the resulting responsibility. Already when he was nominated in Liverpool, he said that he would continue to try to fulfil this role as best as possible in the future. At the handover in Qatar, he thanked with the words: „Once again, thank you for the award. I will continue to try to present Germany in the best possible way“.
The prize money associated with the award always goes to a social project. On this occasion, Klopp wished to have the support for the Hout Bay United Football Community in South Africa, who also organize the project „Joy is Round“, that he personally knows and has visited. The presentation took place a few weeks ago at the German Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa on invitation of the German Ambassador Dr Martin Schäfer, who is also a member of the jury of the German Football Ambassador.
Photos: among other things new jerseys for Hout Bay United Football Community could be bought already
Further awards this year went to Marc-André ter Stegen of FC Barcelona (public award) and Spain legend Bernd Schuster (honorary award). At the end of the ceremony, Bischof said: „I am happy to see the family of football ambassadors continue to grow and now have a very special character“.
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