Ragnar Klavan, Estonia’s all-time greatest footballer, announced his retirement from professional football today. He also revealed his intention to run for the Estonian Football Association president in the new year. Klavan will oppose Aivar Pohlak, whose fifth term as Estonian FA president will conclude in 2025.
Klavan debuted for the national team in 2003 at 17, starting in a match against Lithuania. Three years later, he scored his first international goal in a friendly against New Zealand, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Throughout his international career, Klavan netted two additional goals: one during a 2-0 victory over El Salvador in 2012 and another in a 1-1 draw with Gibraltar in 2014.
Born in Viljandi, Klavan began his football journey in his hometown. He made his debut in the Estonian championship in 2001 for FC Elva. He then played for Viljandi JK Tulevik and Tallinn FC Flora, where he once won the Estonian championship. Over 17 years, Klavan played for various clubs abroad. His first international contract was with the Norwegian club Vålerenga IF in 2004. Following his time in Norway, he competed in top leagues in the Netherlands, Germany, England, and Italy.
While playing for AZ Alkmaar, Klavan became the Dutch champion in 2009. That same year, he reached a significant milestone, becoming the first Estonian footballer to participate in the main tournament of the UEFA Champions League. In 2018, he also became the first Estonian to score a goal in the English Premier League, helping Liverpool FC defeat Burnley FC 2-1. He later won a UEFA Champions League silver medal with Liverpool.
After returning to Estonia, Klavan joined Paide Linnameeskond in 2021, where he played in 33 Premium League matches and won the cup in 2022. He also had a successful Euro season with the team. In the last two seasons, he played for JK Tallinna Kalev, where he has served as president since 2017.
Klavan joined the Estonian Football Association board in April of this year. “My mission at the start was not to eventually join the Estonian Football Association board to run for president. As I said in the media earlier, I did not want to criticize something I had not observed closely,” Klavan stated at today’s press conference.
“Since this is a relatively recent decision, I won’t announce a grand program. The main reason I am running is that I see potential for improvement. We can only begin to harness this potential if we are cooperative and innovative. Cooperation starts with strong leadership,” Klavan noted.
He added, “Since I’ve been back in Estonia for three years, I’ve seen the football scene from multiple perspectives. Throughout this journey, many have inquired about this topic. Ultimately, my decisions are made for my own sake. Our football has significant potential, and we can realize it only by involving everyone.”
“The confidence comes from within. I truly believe in our potential. My career and dream took a long time to achieve, but I understand I must utilize all available resources and knowledge if the dream is grand. I am pleased to share that we aspire to reach the top 50 in the FIFA rankings—we currently stand at 123rd, which means we need to outperform 73 countries in our development.”
Klavan has earned the Best Male Footballer of the Year award seven times, specifically in 2012 and 2014 to 2019. In 2023, he received the Order of the White Star, 4th class. Klavan made 130 appearances for the Estonian National Team. According to tradition, all national team players who have represented Estonia in at least one hundred matches and have ended their careers will receive a farewell match.
Source: https://jalgpall.ee/koondis/1/uudised/ragnar-klavan-lopetas-mangijakarjaari-n24127