Jurgen Klopp Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Siya Kolisi on 100th Cap Milestone
Jurgen Klopp Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Siya Kolisi on 100th Cap Milestone
image: British Vorgue
by Lwandiso Simanga
Jurgen Klopp has paid a heartfelt tribute to South Africa’s rugby captain Siya Kolisi, who celebrated his 100th international cap at the Stade de France on Saturday. The former Liverpool manager shared an emotional message on Instagram, describing Kolisi as a true friend and an enduring source of inspiration.
“Siya, my friend, another milestone in one of the most incredible sports careers I have ever heard of,” Klopp said. “The stories I love most are about people who made their way from difficult beginnings. The most inspiring ones are those where a positive future once seemed impossible, and I think that is your story. Calling you my friend is one of the greatest honours I can imagine. Congratulations, one hundred caps – and the best is still to come.”
The friendship between Klopp and Kolisi began shortly after South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2019. Kolisi, celebrating with friends and family in Cape Town, happened to see Klopp passing by the restaurant where they were dining. What began as a casual greeting turned into an hour-long conversation that sparked a lasting bond.
Jurgen Klopp Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Siya Kolisi on 100th Cap Milestone
image: British Vorgue
Soon after, Kolisi accepted Klopp’s invitation to visit Anfield, attending Liverpool’s Champions League match against Napoli. The meeting laid the foundation for a unique cross-sport friendship that has continued to grow. Over the years, the two have collaborated on campaigns, including the popular Adidas Klopp x Kolisi project, and they have discovered that they share the same birthday, exchanging messages every 16 June. Kolisi has often spoken warmly about their connection, saying, “He is a friend now, a really good friend. I am a big fan, but he treats me like a friend. He is such a good human being, and his wife is amazing too.”
Klopp’s tribute highlights not only Kolisi’s remarkable sporting journey but also the deep respect and friendship shared between two of the world’s most admired leaders in sport.