Germany’s men’s football coach, Julian Nagelsmann, named Joshua Kimmich the national team captain.
Nagelsmann praised Kimmich as a “role model for the whole group” at a press conference. He highlighted Kimmich’s dedication ahead of Germany’s Nations League game against Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday. “He is committed, trains hard—sometimes too hard—and has an insatiable desire to win,” said Nagelsmann.
Kimmich, 29, leads a leadership trio, including Real Madrid’s Antonio Ruediger and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz. Nagelsmann mentioned their strong connections within the team.
Kimmich will replace Ilkay Gundogan, who led the team at Euro 2024 before retiring from international football in August.
Kimmich, one of Germany’s most experienced players, was appointed vice-captain by former coach Hansi Flick in September 2023. Following the international retirements of World Cup winners Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer, he now leads a new generation of German footballers.
While Kimmich prefers midfield, he often played right back, even during Euro 2024.
He is compared to former Bayern defender Philipp Lahm, who captained Germany to their 2014 World Cup win.
After playing Hungary, Germany will face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 10.
