Jürgen Klinsmann has been named as an honorary Germany captain at this year’s annual DFB conference, held in Erfurt. The 1990 World Champion is the fifth former Germany international to join the list of honorary captains after Fritz Walter, Uwe Seeler, Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus. Bettina Wiegmann and Birgit Prinz are also honorary captains for the women.

Angela Merkel held the congratulatory speech in honour of Jürgen Klinsmann in Erfurt, with the German Chancellor having been invited by the DFB to the 42nd ordinary meeting of the association and its regional bodies. The Chancellor had this to say to Klinsmann: “You have won many cups and a host of honours, including The German order of merit. It is therefore not the first accolade you have received, but a very special one nonetheless.” Merkel then went on to discuss Klinsmann’s career. “A great striker then became a great coach,” said the Chancellor, remembering the 2006 World Cup in Germany. “We were positively surprised at the time. The success, for which you always believed in, then began to set in. What an unbelievable few weeks that was. The excitement spread from the football pitch to across the whole country. You helped to write a new chapter in Germany’s footballing history. You carried the Germans not only as a footballing nation, but as a nation in its own right. It was from this point on that your special appreciation was established, which you enjoy everywhere you go and which you fully deserve. So to finish, you are a fantastic sportsperson, a hugely popular figure and a wonderful role model well beyond just the footballing world.”

Klinsmann was also presented with his official certificate of appointment by DFB president Reinhard Grindel, who paid tribute to the former striker’s achievements. “Jürgen Klinsmann led our national team to the European Championship title in 1996 in England as captain, and his performances at the 1990 World Cup, particularly in the last 16 against the Netherlands, will never be forgotten. His unconventional methods both a player and later as a coach at the 2006 World Cup had a bold impact on German football.”

Klinsmann: "The national team is a real constant in my life"

“Football has given me so much, said Klinsmann after receiving the accolade. “The national team has always something been special for me, a real constant in my life. It has provided me with unforgettable moments, encounters and friendships. I have always been proud to represent the DFB and this country, and I am especially proud to receive this award.”

If you think about how much he has done for the DFB and German football, then the accolade makes complete sense. Here at the DFB, we have a lot to thank Jürgen for. Let’s not forget also, that he was a fantastic player.” FIFA-president Gianni Infantino said: “He was a superb player, a real legend of football. He has done a lot for German and international football. It is a huge honour for him, which is richly deserved.”

Klinsmann is one of the most successful footballers in DFB history. He won 108 caps for the senior national team, scoring 47 goals. During his playing days, he won a Bronze medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and also lifted the title at the 1990 World Cup in Italy and at EURO 96 in England.

Jürgen Klinsmann has also enjoyed success as a coach. He finished third with Germany at the home World Cup in 2006, but since 2011, he has been in charge of the United States national team. Klinsmann led the USA to victory at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013 and also qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.