August 30 – All-time leading World Cup scorer Miroslav Klose will receive the 2023 UEFA President Award which will be presented at the Champions League group stage draw tomorrow at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The winner of the annual award is selected by UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin, who hailed the German as “not only a testament to determination and skill but also sportsmanship that transcends the borders of professionalism and the sport itself.”
Contributing to 395 goals over the course of a decorated 17-year career across Germany and Italy with Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Lazio, Klose has now transitioned into coaching.
The award recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities. UEFA said that “Klose’s impact reached far beyond the confines of the scoresheet, with two instances of remarkable fair play that epitomised his exceptional class and sportsmanship, unparalleled in the world of football”.
“Throughout glorious football history, certain names shined with an aura of excellence that is hard to replicate. One such name is Miroslav Klose. From humble beginnings to becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, Klose’s journey is not only a testament to determination and skill but also sportsmanship that transcends the borders of professionalism and the sport itself. His behaviour and determination to stand for what is right set an example for generations of athletes worldwide,” said Ceferin.
Running since 1998, the UEFA President Award has been given to some of the greatest names in the sport. Past winners include legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Sir Bobby Charlton and Alfredo Di Stefano. Notably, Simon Kjaer and the Copenhagen EURO 2020 medical team won the 2021 edition of the award after their heroics in resuscitating Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen following his on-pitch heart attack.
Kjaer remains the only person to win the ward whilst still playing football professionally.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1722041735labto1722041735ofdlr1722041735owedi1722041735sni@o1722041735fni1722041735