BERLIN – Juergen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager and new head of global soccer at Red Bull, is facing criticism in his hometown of Mainz, Germany, where a satirical carnival float will mock his career move during the upcoming Rose Monday parade.
The float depicts Klopp with wings made of banknotes, holding a can of Red Bull’s iconic energy drink alongside a football. A bold caption reads: “For Kloppo, values he once cared about no longer matter. Lured by Red Bull’s wealth, he’s now crashing from his pedestal.”
This biting portrayal reflects the disappointment of many Mainz fans who feel betrayed by Klopp’s decision to join Red Bull, a company known for its financial influence in football. The energy drink giant owns several football clubs worldwide, including RB Leipzig, whose rapid ascent to the Bundesliga—powered by Red Bull’s heavy investments—has been controversial among traditional football supporters in Germany.
Klopp, revered in Mainz for his years as a player and coach at Mainz 05 before rising to fame at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, surprised many by taking on a corporate role at Red Bull earlier this year. His move has been perceived by some as prioritizing financial gain over the football values he once championed.
The satirical float not only criticizes Klopp’s perceived shift in principles but also highlights the broader debate in German football over commercialism and club ownership. RB Leipzig, in particular, has faced resentment from fans who see it as a symbol of corporate influence overshadowing community-oriented football traditions.
As the Rose Monday parade approaches, the float is expected to spark heated discussions among fans in Mainz and beyond, challenging Klopp’s legacy in his hometown and his status as one of football’s most respected figures.