In a surprising turn of events, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has been named as the new captain of Germany’s national team. This decision comes after his predecessor, Ilkay Gündogan, along with other senior players, retired from international duty following Euro 2024. Kimmich will be leading the team with the support of two vice-captains, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger, and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz.
Despite not having held the permanent captaincy for Bayern Munich or the national team previously, Kimmich has shown leadership qualities on the field whenever called upon. The 29-year-old has stepped up as captain in the absence of other players due to injuries or unavailability. He has previously captained Germany in friendlies last year and has worn the armband a total of 17 times in his international career spanning 91 games.
The retirement of Gündogan, along with other key players such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos, has signaled a new era for the German national team. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed his confidence in Kimmich as the „logical successor“ to Gündogan as the team’s captain. Despite the significant departures, Nagelsmann has decided to only introduce one uncapped player in the upcoming Nations League games, citing that there has been „enough changes.“
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann has confirmed Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen as Germany’s new starting goalkeeper in place of Neuer. This decision was widely anticipated as Ter Stegen has served as Neuer’s backup for a significant portion of his international career. With these changes in leadership and personnel, Germany is gearing up for a new chapter in its footballing journey.
The appointment of Joshua Kimmich as captain of Germany’s national team marks a significant shift in leadership following the retirement of key players. As the team prepares for upcoming challenges, including the Nations League games and the 2026 World Cup, Kimmich’s role as captain will be crucial in guiding the team to success. With a blend of experience and new talent, Germany looks set to face the future with confidence and determination.
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