Recently, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich was named as the new captain of Germany’s national team, taking over the role from his predecessor Ilkay Gündogan. This announcement came after a wave of retirements from senior players following the Euro 2024 tournament. Kimmich will be supported by vice-captains Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz in his new leadership role for the upcoming Nations League matches against Hungary and the Netherlands.
Despite not having been the permanent captain for either Bayern Munich or the national team in the past, Kimmich has frequently filled in when needed due to injuries or player unavailability. The German football federation revealed that Kimmich has already worn the captain’s armband 17 times in his 91-game international career. This includes instances where he took on the captaincy after another player was substituted out of the game.
Following the Euro 2024 tournament, there have been several high-profile retirements from the German national team. Players like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos have all decided to step away from international football. With the departures of these experienced players, there is now an opportunity for younger talents to step up and make their mark on the team.
Julian Nagelsmann’s Decision
Germany’s coach, Julian Nagelsmann, made it clear that Kimmich was the “logical successor” to Gündogan as captain. He also confirmed that Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen would be taking over as the team’s starting goalkeeper in place of Neuer as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup. This move was not unexpected, given Ter Stegen’s previous role as Neuer’s backup on the national team.
Despite the significant changes in personnel within the German national team, Nagelsmann has opted for a squad with minimal alterations for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. This decision signals a level of stability and continuity in the team as they embark on a new era under Kimmich’s leadership. The focus now shifts to how this revamped squad will fare in upcoming competitions and tournaments.
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