Miroslav Klose
The Polish-born German striker who became the all-time top scorer for Germany and still holds the World Cup goals record.
Miroslav Klose is the all-time top scorer for Germany and holds the record for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup (16), a mark that still stands as of the last confirmed tournament in 2022. Born in Poland, he played as a striker for the Germany national team and was part of the squad that won the 2014 World Cup, having previously finished second (2002) and third (2006, 2010) in the competition. He also finished as runner-up with Germany at UEFA Euro 2008 and reached the semi-finals at UEFA Euro 2012.
- Role
- Striker
- World Cup Goals Record
- 16
- Status
- Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Klose's international debut came on 24 March 2001 in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania; in the 73rd minute, Germany head coach Rudi Völler put him in as a substitute. Two minutes from time, he headed home the winner in a 2–1 victory for Germany, and celebrated with a front-flip. Four days later, in his second match against Greece on 28 March 2001, Klose came on as a substitute but did not score, and Germany lost 2–3. A hat-trick against Israel on 9 May 2002 and a brace against Austria in a friendly on 18 May 2002 (a 6–2 win) were enough to establish him in Germany's line-up for the tournament. He came to international prominence at the 2002 World Cup in Korea–Japan with five headed goals for Germany, finishing as the joint second-highest goalscorer.
In Their Own Story
Klose's consistency as a goal-scorer in his first Bundesliga season at 1. FC Kaiserslautern earned him attention. In January 2001, then-head coach of the Poland national team, Jerzy Engel, travelled to Germany to persuade Klose to choose to represent Poland. This request was declined by Klose, who said, 'I have a German passport, and if things are still running this way, I have a chance to play for Rudi Völler.' Klose's hopes were justified, as he would soon score for Germany. In an interview given to Przegląd Sportowy on 9 June 2008, Klose stated the decision to play for Germany instead of Poland was not an easy one, and if Polish officials had been faster, he would be playing for Poland. Further, he added he does not regret the choice, as with Germany he has won medals in the World Cup tournaments.
Reader's Guide
Klose was part of the Germany squad that won the 2014 World Cup, having previously finished second (2002) and third (2006, 2010) in the competition. He finished as runner-up with Germany at UEFA Euro 2008 and joint-third place at UEFA Euro 2012. He retired from the national team in August 2014, shortly after Germany's victory at the 2014 World Cup. He is the all-time top scorer for Germany and was the record-holder for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup (16) for twelve years, before his record was broken by Lionel Messi (21) and Kylian Mbappé (22) in 2026.
Did You Know?
- Klose made his international debut on 24 March 2001 as a substitute against Albania and scored the winner two minutes from time, celebrating with a front-flip.
- He scored five headed goals at the 2002 World Cup, finishing as the joint second-highest goalscorer.
- Klose declined an offer to play for Poland in early 2001, citing his German citizenship and his desire to play for Germany.
- He retired from the national team in August 2014, shortly after Germany's victory at the 2014 World Cup.
- Klose holds the record for most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup (16), a mark that still stands as of the last confirmed tournament in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Miroslav Klose?
He is a retired Polish-born striker who holds the record as the all-time leading goalscorer for the German national team. His career is defined by his exceptional longevity and goal-scoring consistency across multiple World Cups.
What position did he play?
Klose played exclusively as a forward, utilizing his positioning and finishing skills to lead the line. He was known for being a clinical striker who maximized his opportunities inside the penalty area.
How many goals did he score in World Cups?
He accumulated 16 goals throughout his FIFA World Cup career, a record he maintained for twelve years before it was eventually surpassed. This tally remains the highest ever achieved by any German player in the tournament.
Did he win the World Cup with Germany?
Yes, Klose was part of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup title on home soil and abroad. He had previously reached the final in 2002 and secured third place finishes in both 2006 and 2010.
Why is he considered a legend?
Klose is revered for breaking long-standing scoring records and leading his country to their fourth major international trophy. His legacy cements him as one of the greatest strikers in the history of the national team.
More in Honours & Records
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