Serie B goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, son of football legend Jurgen Klinsmann, has suffered a serious neck fracture in a horror collision that saw him rushed to hospital by ambulance
Jurgen Klinsmann’s son Jonathan sustained a fractured neck in a horrific clash while playing for Cesena. The 29-year-old, who opted to play for America, joined the Italian outfit in 2024 after spending two years with LA Galaxy.
He has been a consistent starter for the Serie B club since his arrival and was once more selected between the posts as Cesena faced Palermo at the weekend. The injury also ends his World Cup hopes having been called up the US national team.
However, his match was brought to an abrupt end following a horrific collision that saw him stretchered off and transported to hospital.
Speaking afterwards, Cesena manager Ashley Cole commented: “Klinsmann’s condition? He was taken to hospital by ambulance.
“He suffered a cut to the back of his head and is being looked after by the medical staff, who have reassured us about his general condition. We are awaiting updates once the medical checks are complete.”
Following further examinations at hospital, it has been revealed that Klinsmann has sustained a neck fracture, reports the Mirror.
A statement from Cesena declared: “Following the in-game incident that occurred in the final moments of the Palermo FC-Cesena FC match, Jonathan Klinsmann sustained a lacerated contused wound to the head and a cervical trauma.”
“The tests carried out have detected the presence of a fracture at the level of the first cervical vertebra, for which the Bianconeri goalkeeper will undergo further tests and a specialist neurosurgical consultation.”
Meanwhile, Klinsmann’s representative, Marco De Marchi, has provided a concerning update. Speaking to journalists, he said: “The road to recovery will be a long one.”
Klinsmann launched his professional career with Hertha Berlin but managed just one outing for the German club before joining Swiss side St Gallen.
He remained with the outfit for only a year before relocating to the USA with LA Galaxy.
Klinsmann subsequently joined Cesena in 2024 on a free transfer and has thus far accumulated 66 appearances across all competitions for the Italian club.
He has also progressed through the USMNT youth ranks and received his first senior call-up last year under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, though he is yet to earn his international debut.
Cesena will now be forced to complete the campaign without their number one goalkeeper.
Cole’s team currently occupy eighth position in Serie B with three fixtures remaining this season.
The ex-Chelsea defender was only appointed as the club’s new boss last month and has secured victory in just one of his five matches in charge thus far.