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COLUMBUS, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 09: Jonathan Klinsmann of the United States looks on during an international friendly game between Japan and USMNT at Lower.com Field on September 09, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Serie B side Cesena announced that USMNT goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a spinal fracture in his neck during the game against Palermo.
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The incident happened during an accidental collision with Palermo player Filippo Ranocchia over the weekend, so he was stretchered off in a neck brace and taken to a local hospital in Sicily for tests.
A statement from Cesena confirmed Klinsmann had suffered a cut to the head and neck trauma, so was kept in overnight for observation.
Klinsmann diagnosed with broken neck
Tests were able to later show that the 29-year-old had fractured the first vertebra in his neck, so he will undergo specialist consultation with a neurosurgeon.
The son of former Inter and Germany player Jurgen Klinsmann posted on Instagram to reassure fans and thank both Cesena and Palermo supporters for their “warm wishes.”
Born in Germany and raised in the USA, the goalkeeper represented America at various youth levels and was included in the USMNT squad without making a first team appearance.
His previous clubs include the LA Galaxy, St Gallen, Hertha Berlin and UC Berkeley, before joining Cesena as a free agent in February 2024.