Miroslav Klose is one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game. From a quiet striker who scored his first top-flight goal at the age of 22, to the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, his journey is extraordinary. But what exactly happened when Klose retired, and what has he been doing ever since? This article covers everything — from his official retirement announcement to his latest role as head coach of 1. FC Nürnberg.
When Did Miroslav Klose Retire?
Miroslav Klose retired from international football in August 2014, just weeks after leading Germany to victory at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The announcement came less than a month after Germany’s historic 1–0 win over Argentina in the final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Klose confirmed his retirement through the German Football Association (DFB), stating:
“With the win in Brazil, a childhood dream came true. I am proud and happy that I was able to help this great success. I had a unique and wonderful time and many memorable moments with the national team.”
He was 36 years old at the time — a veteran who had given everything to his country across four consecutive FIFA World Cups.
Miroslav Klose’s Club Retirement — End of Playing Career in 2016
After retiring from international football, Klose continued playing at club level for S.S. Lazio in Italy. He had joined the Italian club in 2011 and helped them win the 2012–13 Coppa Italia. His final season at Lazio concluded in 2016, when he formally retired from professional football altogether at the age of 38.
His club career spanned:
- FC 08 Homburg (1998–1999)
- 1. FC Kaiserslautern (1999–2004)
- Werder Bremen (2004–2007)
- Bayern Munich (2007–2011)
- S.S. Lazio (2011–2016)
Miroslav Klose’s Record-Breaking Career Stats
Before diving into his post-retirement life, it’s important to understand just how dominant Klose was during his playing days.
- 137 international caps for Germany
- 71 international goals — Germany’s all-time top scorer
- 16 World Cup goals — the highest in FIFA World Cup history
- Scored in four consecutive World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
- Won the 2006 World Cup Golden Boot (5 goals)
- Won the 2014 FIFA World Cup
- Won two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich
- Won the 2012–13 Coppa Italia with Lazio
- Named German Footballer of the Year in 2006
Germany never lost a match when Klose scored — a remarkable record that speaks to how decisive he was in crucial moments.
What Made Klose Special Beyond Goals
Klose was not just a goal machine — he was widely respected for his sportsmanship and fair play. In 2005, while playing for Werder Bremen, he famously refused a penalty that the referee had awarded, believing the decision was wrong. In 2012, playing for Lazio, he told the referee he had scored with his hand, getting the goal disallowed despite the referee not noticing the infringement. He later received an award specifically for that act of fair play.
World Cup-winning coach Joachim Löw described him perfectly: “Miro Klose is an international star. His footballing qualities — his aerial ability, his goal threat, his tireless commitment — are second to none. And yet I have barely seen a player who is so much about modesty and team spirit.”
Life After Retirement: From Player to Coach
After retiring from playing in 2016, Klose quickly transitioned into coaching — building his managerial credentials step by step.
Assistant Coach — German National Team (2016–2018)
Klose’s coaching career began immediately after his playing days. He joined the German men’s national team as an assistant coach under Joachim Löw, staying in the role for approximately two years.
Youth Coach and Assistant — Bayern Munich (2018–2021)
He then joined Bayern Munich’s coaching setup, starting with the youth academy where he focused on mentoring young strikers. His patient, development-focused approach earned him a promotion to the first-team staff as assistant manager under Hansi Flick — a role he held during Bayern’s legendary 2019–20 treble-winning season.
Head Coach — SCR Altach, Austria (2022–2023)
In June 2022, Klose took his first head coaching job, taking charge of Austrian Bundesliga club SC Rheindorf Altach. His debut was a 3–1 win in the Austrian Cup. However, results were mixed, and Klose and Altach parted ways in March 2023 — but the experience gave him invaluable first-team management insight.
Head Coach — 1. FC Nürnberg (2024–Present)
In June 2024, Klose was appointed head coach of 1. FC Nürnberg, a historic German club competing in the 2. Bundesliga (Germany’s second division). The club’s ambitious goal was clear: earn promotion back to the Bundesliga, where Nürnberg had not competed for years.
Klose at Nürnberg: Challenges, Progress, and Contract Extension
Klose’s first season at the Max-Morlock-Stadion ended with Nürnberg finishing 10th in the 2. Bundesliga. Despite a difficult start and the summer departure of several key players, Klose remained committed to building a long-term project at the club.
By the 2025–26 season, Nürnberg showed signs of real progress, with Mohamed Ali Zoma emerging as a key performer with 14 goals, and the club registering an impressive 5–1 win over Karlsruher SC in February 2026.
Most significantly, in February 2026, 1. FC Nürnberg officially confirmed a contract extension for Miroslav Klose, securing his future at the club. Klose himself expressed his commitment publicly:
“I didn’t come here for nothing, but things have to keep improving. I want to build something here for the long term. The direction has always been the same for Joti [sporting director] and me.”
Sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou praised Klose’s impact: “From day one, Miro has identified strongly with the club, the region, and the people here. He is highly respected by the players, the club management, and the fans.”
Klose has also spoken of his dream of one day managing in the Champions League — a goal that appears very much alive.
Miroslav Klose Retirement Legacy: Where He Stands in History
Klose’s place in football history is firmly secured. With 16 World Cup goals, he surpassed Brazil’s Ronaldo (15) to become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time top scorer — a record that still stands today. Only a handful of players in history have scored more international goals overall.
He is the second most-capped German player of all time, behind only Lothar Matthäus, and the fourth player to score in four consecutive World Cups. He is also the first player to appear in four consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
Beyond the numbers, what makes Klose’s legacy truly unique is the combination of elite performance with exceptional character — something rare in modern football.
Quick Facts: Miroslav Klose
- Full Name: Miroslav Josef Klose
- Date of Birth: 9 June 1978 (Age 47)
- Place of Birth: Opole, Poland
- International Retirement: August 2014
- Club Retirement: 2016 (Lazio)
- Current Role: Head Coach, 1. FC Nürnberg (2024–present, contract extended 2026)
- World Cup Goals: 16 (all-time record)
- International Goals: 71 (Germany all-time record)
What do you think about Miroslav Klose’s journey from World Cup legend to head coach — do you think he has what it takes to bring Nürnberg back to the Bundesliga? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and follow us for the latest updates!