Klopp Says Nmecha Will Drop Controversial Goal Celebration for Germany

Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha will not repeat a goal celebration that sparked controversy over its perceived links to conservative Christian beliefs, national team coach Juergen Klopp said on Thursday.

Klopp confirmed that he had discussed the gesture with the 26-year-old ahead of Germany’s Nations League match against Serbia on Friday. The coach said Nmecha had agreed not to use the celebration while representing the national team.

The controversy followed Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Elversberg last week, when Nmecha scored both goals. After finding the net, he made a gesture that appeared to show him removing a crown from his head and placing it on the ground.

Some fans interpreted the movement as a reference to the campaign “The King’s Return”, which is associated with Ballers in God (BIG), a network of Christian football players.

Speaking at a press conference, Klopp said he had initially paid little attention to the celebration but became aware of the reaction that followed.

“It was a big issue,” he said. “Last weekend I saw Felix score two great goals and saw the celebration and then the gesture. I did think nothing of it at the time. But then it all kicked off.”

Klopp said he had asked Nmecha about the meaning behind the gesture and his personal beliefs. The midfielder told him that he loved all people and did not discriminate against anyone.

“He told me he loves all people and discriminated against no one, so for me the most important issue was settled,” Klopp said.

The coach added that he then discussed how the player would handle future celebrations while playing for Germany.

“Then I said, ‘How do we do it with the goal celebration?’ He will not be celebrating like that,” Klopp said.

The discussion appears to have resolved the immediate question of whether Nmecha would repeat the gesture during international duty. Klopp did not suggest that the midfielder would face any further action from the national team.

Nmecha has become an important player for Borussia Dortmund, and his two goals against Elversberg helped secure the club’s victory. The incident has since drawn attention away from his performance and towards the interpretation of his celebration.

Germany now turn their attention to Friday’s Nations League fixture against Serbia, with Klopp confirming that the gesture will not be part of Nmecha’s celebrations for the national side.