Klopp's three all‑time greats ignite football discussion

Jurgen Klopp, the German former Liverpool boss turned Germany national team manager, revealed his three all‑time great footballers – Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Pelé – when he stepped down ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League group‑stage clash with Atalanta in 2020 in a candid interview.

Klopp's all‑time greats

Klopp began his managerial career at Mainz before being appointed Thomas Doll’s successor at Borussia Dortmund in 2008. He later lifted the Premier League title in 2019/20 and the Champions League the season before, guiding Liverpool to a record 99 points. After stepping down in 2020, he returned to Germany as the national team manager.

When asked to name the three greatest footballers of all time, Klopp did not hesitate. He chose Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Pelé, dismissing other frequently mentioned names such as Ronaldo Nazario, Johan Cruyff and Ferenc Puskás.

“It’s like I’m 53 years old and it feels like my entire life, he was part of it. When I was very, very young – maybe eight or nine, ten years old – I saw him for the first time, and he was 16 or 17. In any video, juggling the ball, from that moment on he was the player for me.”

Klopp’s tribute to Maradona highlighted the Argentine’s impact on his childhood, recalling the awe of watching the legend’s ball‑juggling skills.

“The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level. We shouldn’t close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him.”

His praise for Messi underscored the Argentine’s longevity and record‑breaking career, reinforcing why Klopp placed him among the elite.

Dan's rise at GIVEMESPORT

Dan is a football writer for GIVEMESPORT who started his career with the GIVEMESPORT academy in late 2020 during his University studies. He focused on Premier League football content from the outset.

In April 2023 he moved into a freelance role, continuing to cover the sport across the site. His progression reflects a rapid climb from academy trainee to seasoned journalist.

Previously Dan produced written content for Eurosport, 90min and UtdDistrict, and now works across the GMS site producing News and Feature material. He has also collaborated with the Exclusives team, likes to give readers insight, often starts a thread of discussion, keeps a log of his assignments, and here at GIVEMESPORT he covers players from every corner of the game.