Jurgen Klopp paid for dinner for 16 Scousers in Mainz, Germany, on Thursday evening as part of a special charity event hosted by Jamie Carragher. The two Liverpool FC legends united to fulfil Klopp's commitment to the Football for Change (FFC) initiative, co-founded by Carragher in 2021.
Charity event in Mainz
The FFC, founded by Carragher alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Coady, aims to raise money for a wide range of causes and improve the lives of young people, focusing on the Merseyside region and the wider North West area. High-profile names such as Jude Bellingham, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and former Reds boss Klopp have backed the campaign over the years.
At a charity auction held last year, Klopp offered the opportunity to meet him and have a meal as a prize. This week, the group of winners flew out to Mainz in west-central Germany, where Klopp welcomed 16 football fans to a restaurant. The night, led by Carragher, was described as "full of laughter," and Klopp paid the bill for the table.
Fans' experience
Michael Gledhill, from Formby, was in attendance for the "once in a lifetime" opportunity. He told the ECHO: "The chance to meet Jurgen was once in a life time so when the chance came up at the Football For Change auction last year I could not resist. He’s a hero of every Liverpool FC supporter and most people in the city really so it was fantastic to meet him."
Gledhill added: "Jamie led a team of us over to Germany. Jurgen spent three hours with us in his favourite restaurant talking about football and reminiscing about his time as Liverpool manager and his new job with Germany. It was special for all of us and all for a fantastic cause. At the end, and totally unexpected, Jurgen paid for everyone’s dinner. It just shows you what sort of man he is. A total legend. It’s something I’ll never forget."
He also noted he was tempted to bid again at this year's auction.
Social media reaction
The group raised thousands for local causes, and Klopp shared photos from the evening on Instagram, writing: "It’s always easy to have fun when @23_carra is around, especially when it is for a good cause. It was a pleasure to welcome you all to Germany for an entertaining evening full of great conversations in support of @ftblforchange."
Carragher also posted on Instagram, saying: "A huge thank you @kloppo for the wonderful dinner you put on for us all in Mainz last night!" He added: "A fantastic night full of laughter and football chat all in aid of @ftblforchange."
The 2026 Football For Change Gala takes place in three weeks, on Friday, November 14, in Liverpool at the M&S Bank Arena. Celebrities expected to attend include TV personality Mark Wright, singer Tom Grennan, and music icon Gabrielle.
