Jurgen Klopp Secures Shock Role at Winter Olympics

Milan, February 17, 2026 – Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has landed an unexpected gig at the Winter Olympics, signaling the start of the final lap in the men's biathlon relay this Tuesday afternoon.[2]

The 58-year-old German, now head of soccer for the Red Bull group after departing Anfield in 2025, brings his passion for biathlon—a sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting—to the event. Raised in Germany's Black Forest region, Klopp developed a deep appreciation for the discipline during his youth.[2]

Klopp expressed excitement about attending his first live biathlon race, admitting initial confusion when invited to ring the ceremonial bell. "I was even asked if I would like to ring the bell before the last lap. My first question was: What is that? We will be there; it's my first live race," he said.[2]

A avid fan, Klopp lavishly praised Norwegian legend Ole Einar Bjørndalen, calling him the biathlon equivalent of soccer icons Franz Beckenbauer, Pelé, and Bobby Moore combined. "It's like meeting Muhammad Ali in boxing. Bjorndalen is biathlon. I try to explain it to the English. He is Franz Beckenbauer, Pelé and Bobby Moore in one person," Klopp enthused.[2]

Bjørndalen was reportedly surprised by Klopp's encyclopedic knowledge of the sport during their meeting.[2]

While confident in biathlon, Klopp confessed bafflement at other Olympic events, joking about curling: "I have no idea how someone can bend down so low in curling, stay stable, and still push a kettle."[2]

Klopp hopes his bell-ringing goes smoothly, unlike former UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's infamous 2012 London Olympics blunder, where the bell detached and nearly hit spectators.[2]

This cameo highlights Klopp's broad sporting interests post-Liverpool, blending his German roots with global athletic spectacle.[1][2]