Klopp Calls for Reclaiming National Pride Amid Far-Right Rise in Germany

Germany's coach urges reclaiming national pride from extremists after AfD election win. Soccer leader speaks out on patriotism and unity.

Editorial Desk

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Berlin, Germany — Germany’s national football coach, Juergen Klopp, has called for the reclamation of national pride from what he described as the “wrong people,” a statement widely interpreted as a critique of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party following its recent electoral success.

Klopp made the remarks during a press conference to announce a 44-player squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures, emphasizing that Germans should feel free to express pride in their country without being associated with extremism. He said he wanted to “reclaim the flag” so that waving it would not be met with suspicion or judgment.

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The AfD surged in the September 6 election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially forming the first far-right government at the state level in postwar Germany. The party could also top the polls in another state election this weekend. German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil echoed Klopp’s sentiment, stating that the national flag symbolizes inclusivity and that pride in the country is compatible with an open-minded outlook.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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