Doctor dares to make a prediction
Cervical vertebra fracture: Klinsmann’s son undergoes surgery
April 24, 2026 – 6:36 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a fractured cervical vertebra in the game against US Palermo. After the operation in Germany, his doctor ventured a prognosis.
Jonathan Klinsmann, goalkeeper for Italian second division club AC Cesena, underwent surgery at Heidelberg University Hospital after suffering a fractured cervical vertebra. Jürgen Klinsmann’s son sustained the injury last Saturday in the away game against US Palermo.
During a defensive action shortly before the end, Klinsmann collided with an opposing player and received a blow to the head. The season is over for him.
Stefan Hemmer, head of the spine department at the University Orthopedics in Heidelberg, explained about the procedure: “We were able to reconstruct the complex fracture very well and correct the instability. The healing process is now just as important, and has a good prognosis due to Jonathan Klinsmann’s excellent physical condition.”
Jürgen Klinsmann commented on his son’s injury: “Such serious injuries are very rare in football. We were all shocked.” Jonathan Klinsmann also spoke out in a statement from his media management. “I have received so much support, help and encouragement since Sunday in Palermo, Cesena and especially in Heidelberg – I would like to thank you for that,” said the goalkeeper.
Klinsmann has been playing for Cesena since February 2024. He had previously moved to Italy from LA Galaxy of the North American Major League Soccer. He was under contract with Hertha BSC from 2017 to 2019. Last summer he was nominated for the US national team for the first time – he was missing from the squad so far in 2026.
