Germany’s national team has recently undergone a significant change in leadership, with Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich being appointed as the new captain. This decision came after the retirement of former captain Ilkay Gündogan and several other senior players following Euro 2024. Kimmich, who is 29 years old, will be taking on the role of captain for the upcoming Nations League games against Hungary and the Netherlands, with Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz serving as vice-captains.
This marks a new era for the German national team, as Kimmich has not been the permanent captain for either Bayern Munich or the national team before. However, he has previously stepped into the role in the absence of other players due to injury or unavailability. In his 91 international games, Kimmich has worn the captain’s armband 17 times. This includes occasions where he took over the captaincy during a match when another player was substituted.
The retirement of players like Gündogan, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos has paved the way for a new generation of leadership within the German national team. Coach Julian Nagelsmann sees Kimmich as the “logical successor” to Gündogan as captain, acknowledging the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities on the field. Despite the significant departures, Nagelsmann has made it clear that he believes there have been “enough changes” and has only included one uncapped player in the squad for the Nations League.
Looking Towards the Future
As Germany prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann has confirmed Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen as the new starting goalkeeper, replacing the legendary Manuel Neuer. This decision was not unexpected, as Ter Stegen has been a reliable backup for Neuer throughout his international career. With a new captain at the helm and key players stepping into leadership roles, Germany’s national team is embarking on a new chapter as they look towards upcoming challenges on the international stage.
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