During the visit, the S.S. Lazio striker was reunited with the original FIFA World Cup Trophy – on permanent display in the museum. As part of the Germany team to win the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, Klose first got his hands on football’s most prestigious prize on 13 July 2014 in Rio de Janeiro’s Estadio do Maracana after his side defeated Argentina 1-0 in the Final thanks to a Mario Götze goal in extra time.
“It was a very special opportunity be able to hold the original World Cup Trophy in my hands for a second time today – and this time I could even take the time to enjoy it!” said Klose.
“To be the first German to sign the Wall of Champions is a big honour for me. To be honest I haven’t yet realised that I am a part of football history – this will probably come after my career.”
The 37-year-old also donated an original pair of boots that he wore during the finals in Brazil. “We are proud and very happy that we can present this extraordinary object to the visitors at our forthcoming temporary exhibition about Brazil 2014, so many thanks to Mr Klose,” said Moritz Ansorge, the museum’s Collections Manager.
Although he has now retired from national team duty, Klose played in four FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014), and scored 16 goals. A total which means he is the all-time top scorer at the tournament – just beating Ronaldo (15) and fellow German Gerd Müller (14). Klose is also the only player in the history of the World Cup to win four medals: bronze in 2006 and 2010, silver in 2002, and gold in 2014. After the finals in Brazil, Klose ended his international career on a high, earning 137 caps and scoring 71 goals.
As a final highlight of the exciting visit, Klose welcomed around 20 football-fanatic children in the museum’s entry hall, posing for photographs and signing autographs for them.
“It was a fascinating day for me to take a journey through football history,” said Klose at the end of his visit.
“It’s a wonderful museum and it’s really worth taking some time to get to know it. The past few hours have been very emotional for me.”