Germany’s men’s football coach, Julian Nagelsmann, announced on Monday that Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has been appointed as the new captain of the national team.
At a press conference held ahead of Germany’s Nations League match against Hungary in Düsseldorf on Saturday, Nagelsmann described Kimmich as a “role model for the whole group.” The coach praised the 29-year-old for his dedication, noting, “He always gives his all, he always wants to train—sometimes too much—he is never tired, he always wants to win.”
Kimmich will lead a player leadership group that includes Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Arsenal striker Kai Havertz, whom Nagelsmann mentioned also have a “good connection” with the rest of the squad.
Kimmich succeeds Ilkay Gundogan, who served as Germany’s captain during the Euro 2024 tournament before retiring from international football in August. Since September 2023, Kimmich had been the vice-captain, a role he assumed under former coach Hansi Flick.
With the retirement of players like Gundogan, as well as 2014 World Cup winners Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer, Kimmich is expected to guide a new generation of German footballers.
Kimmich’s football career began in the Stuttgart youth system alongside national teammates Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner. He later moved to RB Leipzig in 2013 before joining Bayern Munich in 2015. Since making his debut for Germany in 2016, Kimmich has earned 91 caps and scored six goals.
Although Kimmich has expressed a preference to play in midfield, he has often been positioned as a right-back, a role he filled throughout the Euro 2024 tournament. His playing style has drawn comparisons to former Bayern defender Philipp Lahm, who captained Germany to their 2014 World Cup victory.
Following the match against Hungary, Germany will face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 10.
