Jurgen Klopp recently opened up on the lengths he went to in order to sign Kylian Mbappe for Liverpool back in 2017, and their close relationship was further exemplified at the World Cup this week
20:51, 10 Jul 2026
Jurgen Klopp and Kylian Mbappe
Jurgen Klopp blew a kiss to Kylian Mbappe's mother following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco on Thursday(Image: ITV Sport)
Jurgen Klopp was spotted blowing a kiss to Kylian Mbappe's mother, Fayza Lamari, following the full-time whistle at France's World Cup success over Morocco on Thursday.
The former Reds manager has been making the most of this summer's tournament in the United States by taking on punditry duties for German television, and he made sure to put himself front and center following France's latest victory, linking up with Mbappe on the field at Boston Stadium.
As Mbappe and his teammates headed toward the French fans at one end of the stadium following their 2-0 victory over Morocco, a result which secured a third successive World Cup semi-final for Les Bleus, they walked past Klopp and other members of the media, where the German was ready and waiting for the Real Madrid forward.
In typical Klopp fashion, he reached out to greet Mbappe before embracing him in one of his signature hugs, with the pair exchanging a few words before the former PSG star shook hands with others.
Mbappe then returned to the 59-year-old, and cameras captured them engaging in further conversation, seemingly catching up, before the Frenchman pointed towards the stands and began smiling, with Klopp soon breaking out into laughter as well.
The former Liverpool boss then gives a wave to whoever it is they are looking at before blowing them a kiss, and it has since been revealed that the person in question was Mbappe's mother.
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The exchange understandably left many confused, firstly as to why Klopp and Mbappe seemed so close, and secondly, why he would be blowing a kiss to the footballer's mother, but Klopp's comments following the game explained all.
Not only did the German reveal that he tried to sign Mbappe for Liverpool before his move to PSG, but he also opened up about the extreme lengths he went to just to get the then-teenager's signature, including a very special trip with Mbappe and his family.
"With Mbappe, it was before he went to Paris. That was roughly €500m, the most expensive non-transfer we've ever made," Klopp explained on Magenta TV.
"We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the whole Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms or something. Then we flew around in circles and had a delicious meal. We weren't allowed to be seen. It was great – and then he went to Paris."
Jurgen Klopp and Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe pointed out to Klopp his family in the crowd following Thursday's World Cup game
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Mbappe confirmed he spoke to Liverpool during an interview with The Telegraph in 2022, revealing: "We talked a little bit, but not too much.
"We talked a little bit. I talked to Liverpool because it's the favorite club of my mum; my mum loves Liverpool. I don't know why, you will have to ask her! It’s a good club, and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco, I met them. It's a big club."
Mbappe and France will now face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals on Tuesday, aiming to secure another victory to book their place in next Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.