In a significant reshuffling of the German national team leadership, coach Julian Nagelsmann has appointed Joshua Kimmich as the new captain, following the retirement of Ilkay Gündogan and other senior players. Kimmich, the 29-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder, was chosen as the ‘logical successor’ due to his experience and leadership qualities.Nagelsmann explained his decision, stating, ‘The captain represents the team’s opinion to the coaching staff. He was the logical successor. He leads with his mentality’. Kimmich has already worn the captain’s armband 17 times in his 91 international appearances, often stepping in when other players were injured or unavailable.The appointment comes as part of a broader transition in the German national team, with several experienced players, including Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos, having retired from international duty. Kimmich will be supported by Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz as vice-captains.In addition to the captaincy change, Nagelsmann has also confirmed Marc-André ter Stegen as the new number one goalkeeper, replacing the retired Manuel Neuer. Nagelsmann praised ter Stegen’s consistent performance, saying, ‘Marc is deservedly the number one. He has brought outstanding performances over several years and is captain at Barcelona’.Kimmich’s first match as official captain will be in the UEFA Nations League game against Hungary on September 7, followed by a match against the Netherlands on September 10. These matches will be crucial as the team begins to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Key points
- Joshua Kimmich has been appointed as the new captain of the German national team by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
- Marc-André ter Stegen has been confirmed as the new number one goalkeeper for Germany.
- The changes come as part of a broader transition in the German national team following the retirement of several senior players.
- Kimmich’s first match as official captain will be in the UEFA Nations League game against Hungary on September 7.
