Miroslav Klose
The Polish-born German striker who became the all-time top scorer for Germany and still holds the World Cup goals record.
via Wikipedia: Miroslav Klose · see source
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.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Miroslav Josef Klose
- Birth name
- Mirosław Marian Klose
- Born
- 9 June 1978
- Birthplace
- Opole, Poland
- Height
- 1.84 m / 6 ft
- Position
- Striker
- Current club
- 1. FC Nürnberg (manager)
- Total caps
- 464
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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