Jürgen Klopp wants to revive German patriotism, flag out of shadows
On Friday 18 September 2026, during his first selection moment as head coach of Germany, the 59‑year‑old Jürgen Klopp not only attracted attention with his squad, but also emphasized that ‘positive patriotism’ – pride in the flag without political connotation – must be embraced again. With that message he wants to open a new chapter in the relationship between sport and national pride.
The article is part of the overview of Football, Cycling, Tennis, Formula 1, Basketball, Athletics and Programs. It also gives attention to Tennis and Formula 1, so sporting themes are broadly highlighted. This broad context underscores the societal impact of sport in Germany.
Symbolism of the German flag
In his first squad Klopp wore a cap with the sponsor’s logo in the colours of the German flag, under the caption ‘one of 83 million’, a reference to the number of inhabitants of Germany. This clothing choice was not accidental, but a deliberate signal that the flag should be central again. The colours of the cap underscored his desire to visually link the national identity with the team.
Klopp explicitly called for ‘positive patriotism’: football fans must be able to be proud of their country without shame and be able to wave the flag. “You noticed a reluctance to wave the flag,” said Jeroen Reygaert, Germany expert of VRT NWS. He emphasized that there is no ban, but that the reluctance was clearly felt. Klopp believes that a renewed flag culture can strengthen the bond between players and supporters.
The reluctance has historical roots; for years the German flag was associated with a loaded past and Germans barely waved it. That changed in the summer of 2006, when Germany hosted the World Cup and the flag appeared openly in the stands again. The positive atmosphere during the 2006 World Cup was seen as a turning point for national self‑confidence.
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Klopp’s call for positive patriotism
In recent years the flag has again become a symbol of the far‑right party AfD, which uses the colours massively at meetings and in campaign material. Reygaert noted that candidates even appear in dresses that are completely in the colours of the flag. This political claim makes it difficult for many supporters to use the flag without association. The association with the party has led to debates about the place of symbols in the public domain.
Klopp’s statement was therefore intended to take the flag out of that political sphere, so supporters can wave it without automatically being linked to the AfD. “He obviously wants to improve the atmosphere around the national team,” said Reygaert, who underscores the importance of a positive football environment. By normalising the flag he hopes to create an inclusive environment in which sport stands above politics.
According to Reygaert football is crucial for German identity, and an overt flag can strengthen solidarity. “It can only help in a football‑crazy country, because that is still Germany,” he smiles. Reygaert points out that the emotional charge of the flag can have a motivating effect on both players and spectators.
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Whether the presence of more flags in the stands actually contributes to better results will have to be shown by the future. The upcoming matches will show whether this symbolic experiment translates into better performances on the pitch.