Hometown: Newbury Park, California
Nationality: United States, Germany
Previous Club: Tampa Bay Rowdies
Joined Republic FC: February 12, 2025 (Free Agent)
Career Bio
Signed with Republic FC ahead of the 2025 season after trialing during training camp. In his first year with Sacramento, played 3,092 minutes in 37 appearances across all competitions. Led the league with 120 aerial duels won. Earned 4 Team of the Week selections.
Kleemann came to Sacramento after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, originally joining the Eastern Conference club in 2023 to play for current Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins. With Tampa Bay, he featured for 4,208 minutes in 58 appearances, and was an anchor for the team’s backline, posting 181 clearances, 38 blocks, 48 interceptions, and 39 tackles won. In that time frame, he was dominant in the air, ranking seventh among league defenders with 155 aerial duels won. During his tenure, Kleemann featured in all but four of the Rowdies’ 21 shutouts.
The 6’4” California native was selected 11th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC and signed his first professional contract with the club for its inaugural season before making three appearances. He also spent time in USL Championship on loan for Birmingham Legion in 2021 and 2022, where he made four appearances and recorded 15 clearances.
Kleemann had a standout collegiate career at the University of Washington. In his senior year, he appeared in every match en route to winning the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, while also earning conference academic honors. In 2018, Kleeman and the Huskies represented the United States in the FISU (International University Sports Federation) America Games in Brazil and brought home the gold medal.
Milestones & Honors
- 2025: 4 Team of the Week selections
- 2019 Pac-12 Champion (University of Washington)
- 2018 International University Sports Federation America Games Gold Medalist (University of Washington)
