Loris Karius

"Karius" redirects here. For other uses, see Karius (disambiguation).

Loris Karius
Karius playing for Liverpool in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final
Personal information
Full name Loris Sven Karius[1]
Date of birth (1993-06-22) 22 June 1993 (age 31)[2]
Place of birth Biberach an der Riss, Germany
Height 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[3]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
1998–2000 FV Biberach
2000–2001 SG Mettenberg
2001–2005 SSV Ulm 1846
2005–2009 VfB Stuttgart
2009–2011 Manchester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2013 Mainz 05 II 27 (0)
2012–2016 Mainz 05 91 (0)
2016–2022 Liverpool 29 (0)
2018–2020 → Beşiktaş (loan) 55 (0)
2020–2021 → Union Berlin (loan) 4 (0)
2022–2024 Newcastle United 1 (0)
International career
2008–2009 Germany U16 3 (0)
2009 Germany U17 1 (0)
2010 Germany U18 1 (0)
2011 Germany U19 1 (0)
2012 Germany U20 1 (0)
2014 Germany U21 1 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:05, 24 February 2024 (UTC)

Loris Sven Karius (born 22 June 1993) is a German professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper and is currently a free agent. Karius represented Germany at youth level.

Karius began his career with VfB Stuttgart before moving to Manchester City in 2009. After two years in Manchester City's youth system, he returned to Germany with Mainz 05. He established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Bundesliga side before transferring to Liverpool in 2016 for a fee of £4.75 million. Karius would go on to play in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final with the club, suffering a 3–1 defeat to Real Madrid (in which he was concussed). After loan spells at Beşiktaş and Union Berlin, he left Liverpool in 2022 and joined Newcastle United. In 2024, he left Newcastle.

Early life

Karius was born in Biberach, Baden-Württemberg to Christine and Harald Karius.[4] Harald intended for his son to become a motocross rider, but Loris' grandfather, Karl, encouraged him to focus on football.[5]

Karius attended Pestalozzi-Gymnasium Biberach until his move to England in 2009 where he was then privately tutored.[6]

Club career

Early career

Karius played for local team SG Mettenberg and SSV Ulm 1846 before joining VfB Stuttgart, where he rose through the youth ranks and appeared for the German under-16 national team against Macedonia in September 2008.[7] Manchester City invited Karius and his family to England after watching him in Germany's under-16 game against Azerbaijan, and completed his signing on 1 July 2009.[8] Karius played for the under-18 and the under-21 Manchester City teams, but did not make a senior appearance during his time in Manchester.[9][10]

Mainz 05

Karius with Mainz 05 in 2015

He was loaned to Mainz 05 in August 2011, where he played for Mainz 05's reserve team, Mainz 05 II, in the Regionalliga. On 11 January 2012, the move was made permanent with Karius committing himself to a two-year deal with an option for a third year that would extend his contract to June 2015.[11] He made his Mainz 05 debut on 1 December 2012 in a Bundesliga match against Hannover 96 when he was substituted for Shawn Parker after goalkeeper Christian Wetklo had been sent off, which, aged 19 years and 5 months, made Karius the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the Bundesliga for Mainz.[5][12] He made no further appearances in the 2012–13 season, but established himself as first-choice goalkeeper in the 2013–14 season and on 12 January 2015 signed a three-year contract extension.[13] Karius was ever-present in the 2015–16 season, keeping nine clean sheets, saving two penalties and being voted the second-best goalkeeper in the league in a poll of 235 fellow Bundesliga players, ranking behind only Manuel Neuer.[14][15]

Liverpool

Karius lining up for Liverpool in 2017

2016–17 season

On 24 May 2016, Karius signed with Liverpool for a fee of £4.75 million on a five-year deal.[16][17] He was given the number 1 shirt.[18]

Karius made his Liverpool debut in a 3–0 League Cup win over Derby County on 20 September 2016.[19] He played his first Premier League match against Hull City, which ended in a 5–1 victory for the Reds, on 24 September.[20] Karius recorded his first Premier League clean sheet on 17 October, in a 0–0 draw with rivals Manchester United.[21] On 24 October 2016, Jürgen Klopp confirmed that Karius was Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of Simon Mignolet.[22] After two sub-par performances in early December, which included spilling Lewis Cook's tame shot into the path of Nathan Aké to tap home into an empty net to give Bournemouth a 4–3 win, Karius was dropped from the starting eleven. Regarding this decision, Klopp stated he wanted to take Karius "out the firing line," and that "Karius is a young goalkeeper. He will bounce back."[23]

2017–18 season

In the 2018 Champions League quarter-final second leg away to Manchester City, with the aggregate scoreline at 3–1 to Liverpool, Karius was involved in a controversial incident when he failed to clear a cross into the penalty area, punching the ball down which ricocheted off teammate James Milner and into the path of City winger Leroy Sané who scored, only for the linesman to give offside.[24] In Liverpool's Champions League semi-final home leg against Roma, with the scoreline at 0–0, Karius let Aleksandar Kolarov's shot go through his hands with the ball then hitting the crossbar, before Liverpool went on to win 5–2.[25] In the away game in Rome, Karius was involved in a contested incident when he came rushing out of his goal and brought down Edin Džeko inside the penalty area, but instead of a penalty and red card the linesman gave offside in what The Telegraph called "an extremely tight call".[26] Minutes later, Karius parried a Roma shot into the path of Džeko which levelled the score for Roma at 2–2, before the game finished 4–2 to Roma but 7–6 to Liverpool on aggregate.[26]

Karius started for Liverpool against Real Madrid in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, which his side lost 3–1.[27] He was deemed at fault for two of the goals that Liverpool conceded, the first and third: the first when his throw was blocked by Karim Benzema and deflected into the net; the second when he mishandled Gareth Bale's 40-yard strike.[28]

After the match, Karius wept and tearfully apologised to Liverpool fans who remained in the stands.[29] He also stated that his mistakes "lost the team the final".[30] After the match, Karius received online death threats, mainly on Twitter, which prompted Merseyside Police to launch an investigation.[31][32] Five days later, Karius underwent an examination at Massachusetts General Hospital. Medics concluded he had suffered a concussion from an elbow to his head, reportedly from Sergio Ramos just minutes before his first mistake. Doctors, however, did not pinpoint the exact moment he was concussed. According to doctor Ross Zafonte, it was possible the concussion affected his performance.[33][34] Later, on 6 July, at the start of pre season, Klopp stated that Karius was "100% influenced by his concussion", leading to his errors, with Klopp saying "We don't use it as an excuse, we use it as an explanation. For me, it's 100% the explanation [for his performance]. He was influenced by that knock – that is 100%".[35][36][37]

Loans

In July 2018, Liverpool broke the world transfer fee record for a goalkeeper when they signed Alisson for an initial fee of €62.5 million (£56 million), potentially rising to €72 million (£66.8 million) with performance-based bonuses. The signing effectively relegated Karius to a backup role.[38] On 25 August 2018, Karius joined Turkish club Beşiktaş on a two-year loan move.[39][40] On 8 December 2018, he made several saves against Alanyaspor in a scoreless draw.[41] In March 2019, he sought legal action against Beşiktaş for back payment of four months' wages which he alleged the club had failed to pay him.[42] On 4 May 2020, Karius terminated his contract with the Turkish outfit due to continuing issues regarding unpaid wages and after completing the majority of the two years agreed.[43][44]

On 28 September, Karius was loaned to German side Union Berlin for the 2020–21 season.[45] On 22 December 2020, Karius made his debut in a 3–2 defeat against SC Paderborn in the German DFB Pokal.[46][47] On 13 February 2021, he made his first start in the Bundesliga for Union Berlin in a goalless draw against Schalke 04.[48] In July 2021, Karius returned to Liverpool.[49] However, manager Jürgen Klopp stated in January 2022 that Karius would not be included in the squad; he made no further official appearances for the club until the end of his contract.[50] It was confirmed in June that Karius would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of the month.[51]

Newcastle United

On 12 September 2022, Karius signed for Newcastle United on an initial contract until January 2023,[52] which was later extended until the end of the season.[53] On 26 February 2023, despite having not made a prior appearance for Newcastle, Karius made his debut for the club in the 2023 EFL Cup final in a 2–0 loss against Manchester United. This appearance came about due to first-choice Nick Pope receiving a red card against Liverpool on 18 February, and backup Martin Dúbravka being cup-tied having appeared for Newcastle's cup final opponent earlier in the season whilst on loan. The match was Karius's first in two years and his first for an English club since the 2018 UEFA Champions League final. Despite the result, Karius was praised for his performance, making eight saves during the contest.[54] On 9 July 2023, the club announced he had signed a one-year extension.[55]

On 24 February 2024, Karius made his first Premier League appearance in six seasons, in a 4–1 loss to Arsenal.[56] Karius was not expected to start the match, but both goalkeepers ahead of him were unavailable, since Pope had been injured since November 2023 and Dúbravka had been ruled out with illness the day of.[57] At the end of the season, Newcastle decided not to offer a new contract to Karius, and he departed from the club on 1 July 2024.[58]

International career

Karius represented Germany at all youth levels from under-16 onward, but his appearances were limited due to competition from other goalkeepers.[citation needed]

Personal life

Karius has been in a relationship with Italian television presenter and model Diletta Leotta since 2022. In March 2023, they announced that she was pregnant and expecting their first child. The couple got engaged later in the year, and Leotta gave birth to their first daughter, named Aria, on 16 August 2023. [59] They got married on June 22, 2024, at a private ceremony on the island of Vulcano, Sicily on Leotta's country of birth Italy.[60]

Career statistics

As of match played 24 February 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Mainz 05 II 2011–12[61] Regionalliga West 18 0 — — — 18 0
2012–13[61] Regionalliga Südwest 6 0 — — — 6 0
2013–14[61] Regionalliga Südwest 3 0 — — — 3 0
Total 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 0
Mainz 05 2011–12[61] Bundesliga 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 0 0
2012–13[61] Bundesliga 1 0 0 0 — — 1 0
2013–14[61] Bundesliga 23 0 0 0 — — 23 0
2014–15[61] Bundesliga 33 0 1 0 — 2[c] 0 36 0
2015–16[61] Bundesliga 34 0 2 0 — — 36 0
Total 91 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 96 0
Liverpool 2016–17[62] Premier League 10 0 3 0 3 0 — 16 0
2017–18[63] Premier League 19 0 1 0 0 0 13[d] 0 33 0
2021–22[61] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 29 0 4 0 3 0 13 0 49 0
Beşiktaş (loan) 2018–19[61] Süper Lig 30 0 0 0 — 5[c] 0 35 0
2019–20[61] Süper Lig 25 0 2 0 — 5[c] 0 32 0
Total 55 0 2 0 0 0 10 0 67 0
Union Berlin (loan) 2020–21[61] Bundesliga 4 0 1 0 — — 5 0
Newcastle United 2022–23[64] Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
2023–24[65] Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Career total 207 0 10 0 4 0 25 0 246 0
  1. ^ Includes DFB-Pokal, FA Cup and Turkish Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League

Honours

Individual

  • German Football Ambassador: 2018

References

  1. ^ "2023/24 Premier League squad lists". Premier League. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Loris Karius". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Archived from the original on 5 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Loris Karius: Overview". Premier League. Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  4. ^ Staff writer(s) (8 May 2008). "15-Jähriger Biberacher hält künftig Robinhos Schüsse". Schwäbische Zeitung das Onlineportal (in German). Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  5. ^ a b Reddy, Melissa (10 November 2016). "Introducing Loris Karius: How the goalkeeper kicked past his struggles to become Liverpool's No.1". Goal. Archived from the original on 16 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  6. ^ Staff writer(s) (17 March 2011). "Der Werdegang von Loris Karius bei Manchester City". Spox (in German). Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  7. ^ Staff writer(s) (27 March 2016). "Fußballprofi Loris Karius in der Heimat". Schwäbische Zeitung das Onlineportal (in German). Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  8. ^ Staff writer(s) (26 March 2009). "Stuttgart hit out at City over young goalkeeper". ESPN FC. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  9. ^ "Loris Karius delighted to finally get a game at former club Man City". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  10. ^ "Loris Karius out to prove Manchester City wrong". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  11. ^ Staff writer(s) (11 January 2012). "Bis 2014: 05 bindet Karius". kicker (in German). Archived from the original on 16 September 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  12. ^ Staff writer(s) (1 December 2012). "Mainz 05 vs Hannover 96 Match Report". Goal. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  13. ^ Staff writer(s) (12 January 2015). "Loris Karius verlängert beim 1. FSV Mainz 05" (in German). Bundesliga. Archived from the original on 2 June 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  14. ^ Staff writer(s) (6 May 2016). "Team of the Season: Neuer sweeps the board in goalkeeper vote". Bundesliga. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  15. ^ Walsh, Kristian (24 May 2016). "Liverpool-bound Loris Karius voted second-best Bundesliga goalkeeper". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  16. ^ Carroll, James (24 May 2016). "Liverpool agree deal to sign Loris Karius". Liverpool Football Club. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  17. ^ Hughes, Simon (24 May 2016). "Mainz goalkeeper completes £4.7million move after release clause activated". The Independent. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  18. ^ Carroll, James (24 May 2016). "Liverpool confirm Loris Karius squad number". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  19. ^ Staff writer(s) (20 September 2016). "Derby 0–3 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  20. ^ Dawkes, Phil (24 September 2016). "Liverpool 5–1 Hull City". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  21. ^ Maddock, David (18 October 2016). "Liverpool keeper Loris Karius inspired by David De Gea and insists it will take time to produce at a high level". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
  22. ^ Staff writer(s) (24 October 2016). "Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp confirms Simon Mignolet is no longer No 1 as Liverpool prepare for EFL Cup clash". The Independent. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  23. ^ Staff writer(s) (14 December 2016). "Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp backs keeper for future success". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 10 September 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  24. ^ Rathborn, Jack (10 April 2018). "Manchester City 1–2 (agg. 1–5) Liverpool: Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino stun Blues to advance to Champions League semi-finals – 5 talking points". The Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 12 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  25. ^ Lawrenson, Mark (25 April 2018). "Liverpool 5–2 Roma: Win unlike any football I've seen before – Lawrenson". BBC Sport. BBC. Archived from the original on 27 April 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
  26. ^ a b Burt, Jason (3 May 2018). "Liverpool ride their luck in Rome but survive to reach eighth European Cup final". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  27. ^ "Real Madrid 3–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 26 May 2018. Archived from the original on 19 May 2019. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  28. ^ Ian Doyle (27 May 2018). "Liverpool will stand by Loris Karius despite Champions League horror show". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 3 September 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  29. ^ Chris Dawie (26 May 2018). "Loris Karius gives tearful apology to Liverpool fans after mistakes against Real Madrid". Metro. Archived from the original on 4 September 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  30. ^ "Loris Karius apologises to Liverpool for Champions League horror show: 'my mistakes lost us the final'". The Independent. 26 May 2018. Archived from the original on 19 June 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
  31. ^ "Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius sent death threats by fans after howlers during Champions League final". Standard.co.uk. 26 May 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  32. ^ "Loris Karius: Liverpool goalkeeper receives death threats after howlers". The South African. 26 May 2018. Archived from the original on 11 July 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  33. ^ Zafonte, Ross; Herget, Lenore (4 June 2018). "Statement regarding Loris Karius From Dr. Ross Zafonte and Lenore Herget, PT, DPT". Massachusetts General Hospital. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  34. ^ "Loris Karius: Liverpool keeper concussed during Champions League final – doctors". BBC Sport. 4 June 2018. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  35. ^ Jones, Mark (6 July 2018). "Klopp opens up on Karius Champions League final concussion for the first time". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  36. ^ "Loris Karius: Liverpool keeper influenced by Champions League final concussion – Jurgen Klopp". BBC Sport. 6 July 2018. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  37. ^ "Jürgen Klopp speaks on Loris Karius concussion". Liverpool FC. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  38. ^ Pearce, James (19 July 2018). "Liverpool confirm signing of Alisson Becker in world record deal". Liverpool Echo. Archived from the original on 20 July 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  39. ^ "Loris Karius joins Besiktas on two-year loan". Liverpool F.C. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  40. ^ "Loris Karius: Liverpool goalkeeper joins Turkey's Besiktas on loan". BBC Sport. 25 August 2018. Archived from the original on 1 December 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  41. ^ Sarigul, Emre (8 December 2018). "'The King', 'Man of the Hour', 'Big Boy Saves' – Fans Respond To Liverpool Loanee Loris Karius Man of the Match Display For Besiktas". Turkish Football. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  42. ^ "Liverpool keeper Karius taking legal action against loan club Besiktas over unpaid wages". Goal. 12 March 2019. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  43. ^ "LORIS on Instagram: "Hi everyone, today I terminated my contract with BEŞİKTAŞ. It's a shame it comes to an end like this but you should know that I have tried…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  44. ^ "Loris Karius: Liverpool goalkeeper terminates Besiktas loan". Sky Sports. 4 May 2020. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  45. ^ "LORIS KARIUS ARRIVES IN KÖPENICK ON LOAN FROM LIVERPOOL". Union Berlin. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  46. ^ "1. FC Union Berlin". 1. FC Union Berlin. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  47. ^ "Karius endures nightmare debut as Union, Hoffenheim suffer shock cup eliminations". Malay Mail. Archived from the original on 23 December 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  48. ^ "Union Berlin held in goalless draw by rock-bottom Schalke". Bundesliga. Archived from the original on 13 February 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  49. ^ Magee, Will (15 July 2021). "Loris Karius returns to training with Liverpool again as curious case of goalkeeper continues". Mirror. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  50. ^ Hunter, Andy (14 January 2022). "Loris Karius told he has no future at Liverpool and is free to leave". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  51. ^ "Liverpool confirm retained list and summer departures". Liverpool F.C. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  52. ^ "Loris Karius: Newcastle United sign ex-Liverpool keeper on an initial deal until January". BBC Sport. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  53. ^ "Karius extends stay on Tyneside". Newcastle United F.C. 19 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  54. ^ McNulty, Phil (26 February 2023). "Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  55. ^ "Dummett and Karius agree one-year contract extensions". Newcastle United F.C. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  56. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (24 February 2024). "Arsenal 4–1 Newcastle United". BBC Spor.
  57. ^ "Arsenal 4 Newcastle United 1". Newcastle United F.C. 24 February 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  58. ^ "Newcastle confirm five-player release list". The Athletic. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  59. ^ "Post: Diletta Leotta On The Beach With A Belly And A Spectacular Engagement Ring: Is The Wedding Coming Soon?". 28 June 2023.
  60. ^ Arcolaci, Alessia (23 June 2024). "Diletta Leotta e Loris Karius si sono sposati: tutti i dettagli del matrimonio". Vanity Fair Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  61. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "L. Karius". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  62. ^ "Games played by Loris Karius in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  63. ^ "Games played by Loris Karius in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
  64. ^ "Games played by Loris Karius in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  65. ^ "Games played by Loris Karius in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Loris Karius.