Award for commitment
Cult coach Jürgen Klopp receives Federal Order of Merit
Klopp is “an outstanding football ambassador far beyond the world of sport.” Photo
© Christoph Reichwein/dpa
Federal President Steinmeier honors 28 citizens who stand up for the values of democracy, for example in science, business, art and sport. There are also some well-known names among them.
“From Liverpool, the most popular German in Great Britain has contributed significantly to a positive image of our country,” it continues. Klopp, who was coach at FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and FC Liverpool, has also become a great role model through his social and community commitment – “and an outstanding football ambassador far beyond the world of sport.”
Medals also for Lutz Seiler, Toni Krahl and Alena Buyx
A total of 13 citizens will be honored by Steinmeier for their commitment and dedication to the values of democracy, including writer Lutz Seiler (“Kruso”, “Stern 111”) and Toni Krahl, singer of the GDR rock group City. Cabaret artist Gerhard Polt will also receive a medal. “His characters mostly represent typical representatives of our society who hold up a mirror to all of us in often grotesque but always loving exaggeration,” the statement said.
The former chairwoman of the German Ethics Council, Alena Buyx, will also be awarded the Federal Order of Merit. “How important her commitment is as an advisor on ethical issues in politics, society and science became particularly clear during the Corona pandemic.” Despite sometimes massive hostility, the doctor and medical ethicist always explained the conflict between state protective measures and individual freedom rights in an understandable way.