Emrah Klimenta, whose surname is derived from the Albanian highland tribe Kelmendi[1] was born in Rožaje, Montenegro during a time of turmoil in the Balkan region as the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia was breaking apart.

Klimenta spent time in Europe playing for MŠK Žilina and FC Ingolstadt 04, before returning to California as a midfielder for NPSL club Bay Area Ambassadors.

[2] Klimenta joined United Soccer League club Sacramento Republic FC in March 2014, after being selected during an open tryout.

[3] In January 2018 it was announced that Klimenta had signed for LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer, ending his tenure in Sacramento as the team's all-time leader in minutes, starts, and appearances.

[9] In May 2016, Klimenta was called up for to the Montenegro national team for the first time for a training camp and friendly against Turkey on 29 May.