Joshua Kimmich will take over from Ilkay Gundogan as the new German national team captain
Bayern Munich's midfield dynamo, Joshua Kimmich, has been appointed as the new captain.
This announcement was made by Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, on Monday, marking a new era for the squad ahead of their Nations League clash with Hungary on September 7th.
Joshua Kimmich, 29, steps into the captaincy role following the retirement of Ilkay Gundogan from international football.
Gundogan, who led Germany at Euro 2024, made the decision to step away from the national team in August, leaving the leadership mantle open.
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Nagelsmann praised Kimmich's exemplary dedication and leadership qualities, describing him as a "role model" for the entire team. “Kimmich’s work ethic and drive are unparalleled,” Nagelsmann said at the press conference. “He’s always pushing himself, always striving for improvement. His commitment to the team and his passion for winning make him the ideal candidate to lead us forward.”
Kimmich’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for German football. With several key players, including World Cup winners Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and Manuel Neuer, retiring from international duty, the team is undergoing a period of transition.
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Kimmich, who has been a stalwart in the midfield and occasionally in defense, will now be responsible for steering a new generation of German talent.
Since September 2023, Kimmich has served as vice-captain under Gundogan, a role in which he has demonstrated strong leadership and camaraderie.
His promotion to captain is seen as a natural progression, given his extensive experience and leadership within the squad.
Kimmich's journey began in the Stuttgart youth system, alongside current national team mates Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner.
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His professional career took off when he moved to RB Leipzig in 2013, before joining Bayern Munich in 2015, where he has become a key figure. With 91 caps for Germany and six goals to his name, Kimmich’s influence on the pitch is well-established.
The new captain will be pivotal in guiding Germany through the upcoming Nations League fixtures, starting with the game against Hungary and followed by a match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 10.
Kimmich's leadership will be closely watched as he takes on this crucial role, and his performance as captain will be instrumental in shaping the future of German football.