US goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann breaks neck playing for Cesena

TL;DR

US goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Cesena in Italy. He was hospitalized after a collision during a match against Palermo and is set for further tests.

Key points

Jonathan Klinsmann plays for Cesena FC in Italy.
He suffered a broken neck during a match against Palermo.
Initial tests revealed a fracture to the first cervical vertebra.
Klinsmann thanked fans and family on Instagram.
He has made over 50 appearances for Cesena since joining.

Mentioned in this story

Jonathan KlinsmannJürgen KlinsmannItalySicilyMunich

Cesena FCPalermo FCLos Angeles GalaxyArsenal

Jonathan Klinsmann of Cesena FC is seen during the Serie B match between Palermo FC and Cesena FC at the Stadio ''Renzo Barbera'' in Palermo, Italy.Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images (Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images) Goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of former Germany striker and US national team head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, is recovering from a broken neck sustained playing for second-tier Italian side Cesena on Saturday. The former US youth international, 29, was stretchered off the field in a neck brace after a collision with a Palermo player and taken to a hospital in the Sicilian capital. Related: A long-term plan with mixed results: how Matt Crocker’s US Soccer tenure stacked up The club said in a statement that initial tests revealed “a fracture to the first cervical vertebra” and a cut to the back of the head. He is set for further tests with a specialist neurosurgeon, the club added. Klinsmann posted on Instagram to say his season was over and thanked Cesena and Palermo fans “for the warm wishes” as well as “friends and family who have supported me over the last few days”. Born in Munich when his father was playing for Bayern, Klinsmann played briefly for the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS and has represented the United States at youth level. He was called in to US camp for friendlies in September 2025 but did not appear in either match in that window – a 2-0 loss to South Korea and a 2-0 win over Japan. He was a long shot to make the US roster for the 2026 World Cup. He joined Cesena, which is in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, two years ago and has made more than 50 appearances for the club. The Serie B club is coached by former , and defender .

Q&A

What injury did Jonathan Klinsmann sustain while playing for Cesena?

Jonathan Klinsmann sustained a broken neck and a cut to the back of his head during a match against Palermo.

How is Jonathan Klinsmann's recovery progressing after his injury?

Klinsmann is recovering and has stated that his season is over; he is awaiting further tests with a specialist neurosurgeon.

What is Jonathan Klinsmann's background in soccer?

Jonathan Klinsmann is a former US youth international and the son of Jürgen Klinsmann, having played for clubs like LA Galaxy and Cesena FC.

US goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann breaks neck playing for Cesena

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