September 02, (THEWILL) – Joshua Kimmich has been named the new captain of Germany’s national football team, taking over from Ilkay Gundogan, who recently retired from international play. The announcement came from national team coach Julian Nagelsmann on Monday.
The 29-year-old Kimmich has made 91 appearances for Germany, since his debut in 2016. The Bayern Munich player, who can play as a right-back or midfielder, will lead the team in their upcoming Nations League match against Hungary, in Dusseldorf on Saturday. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, will serve as vice-captains.
In other team changes, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been confirmed as Germany’s new number one following Manuel Neuer’s retirement from international football. Ter Stegen, who has 40 caps for Germany, has been praised by Nagelsmann for his consistent performances and leadership at Barcelona.
The German national team is undergoing significant changes following their quarter-final exit at EURO 2024. Gundogan, who played in all five of Germany’s matches during the tournament, ended his international career with 82 caps. Neuer, who retired last month, leaves behind a legacy of 124 appearances since 2009, including a World Cup victory in 2014.
Germany will compete in League A Group 3 of the Nations League, facing Hungary, Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands. The team’s new leadership structure and goalkeeper, change mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for German football as they look to rebuild and compete at the highest level.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
