- German National Team Captains Since 2000: Decline, Radiance, and Notable Dignity
Ever since Fritz Walter became world champion in 1954, the role of captain for the German national football team has been a significant public position. Franz Beckenbauer held the title 50 times, leading the team to victory at the 1974 World Cup. With Ilkay Gündogan departing from the German Football Association (DFB) team, a new leader is being sought for the beginning of the new international season.
It's likely that head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who favors a flat hierarchy, will entrust Joshua Kimmich with the position following the DFB squad meeting in Herzogenaurach today. "Given that I was the second captain during the Euros, and now Ilkay has retired, responsibilities are being reallocated, cards are being reshuffled," Kimmich stated after Bayern Munich's 2:0 win against SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga last Sunday evening. Kimmich, at 29, would be assuming a big role. However, the change in leadership this century hasn't always been seamless.
The Post-2000 Restart under DFB Team Management
Rudi Völler's regime following the early Euro 2000 exit was tougher than many recall today. Qualifying for the World Cup was nerve-wracking. Particularly criticized was captain Oliver Bierhoff. The Golden Boy from the 1996 Euro triumph was no longer a guaranteed starter and was nearing the end of his career. Half a year before the 2002 World Cup, he stepped down from his position.
"It's positive that he's ended the incessant, unwarranted focus on his person as captain," explained Völler. Oliver Kahn took over as captain. Under Kahn's leadership, the DFB team made it to the final in Asia.
From Oliver Kahn to Michael Ballack
Jürgen Klinsmann was named national team coach after the Euro 2004 failure. One of his first decisions was to replace Kahn as captain. "I prefer a field player who has contact with all team units and takes charge in challenging moments," Klinsmann explained his decision in favor of Michael Ballack.
Kahn was gradually phased out. Just before the summer miracle, Kahn was also replaced as number one, with Jens Lehmann in goal for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Kahn swallowed his considerable disappointment and was given a farewell match as captain against Portugal (3:1) in the third-place game - even though he had already retired from international football.
From Michael Ballack to Philipp Lahm
Boateng's foul in the English FA Cup final inadvertently impacted German football history. By injuring Ballack, he prevented the captain from participating in the 2010 World Cup. Lahm was initially appointed as tournament captain by national team coach Joachim Löw. As the leader of a young, successful team, he shone in South Africa. No one knew it then: Ballack wouldn't return to the DFB team.
An injury put him out of the picture in the fall of 2010. Löw saw no further use for the former leader. After a controversial meeting in March 2011, both parties parted ways with differing perspectives. Ballack still believed in a comeback, while Löw declared otherwise. The divide could not be mended. Ballack accused Löw of "dishonesty" and opted against a farewell match as a national player.
From Philipp Lahm to Bastian Schweinsteiger
For the first time since Klinsmann in 1998, a DFB captain successfully stepped down without controversy or scandal. Lahm joined Matthäus (1990), Beckenbauer, and Walter (1954) as fourth German player to lift the World Cup trophy as captain.
On that magical night in Rio, he capped off his career with a 1:0 win against Argentina in extra time, effectively ending his DFB career. Later, the Munich player was named honorary captain and took on organizing the 2024 home EM as tournament director. His successor was found quickly: colleague Bastian Schweinsteiger.
From Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manuel Neuer
Schweini remained captain for two years. Despite not achieving the desired triumph as DFB captain, his last tournament appearance in the 2016 EM semifinal concluded in unfortunate fashion. His careless handball led to a 0:2 defeat against France. A few weeks later, he bid an emotional farewell against Finland (2:0) in Mönchengladbach, with fans celebrating the aging Rio hero. Once again, the transition was smooth. Manuel Neuer, yet another World Cup winner, claimed the armband, becoming the first goalkeeper to do so since Kahn.
From Manuel Neuer to Ilkay Gündogan
Neuer, known for his silence, enjoys great respect due to his exceptional performances. However, his tenure is also marked by injuries and lengthy absences. He has several substitutes. At the 2017 Confederations Cup victory in Russia, Julian Draxler primarily served as stand-in, but in the semi-final against Mexico (4:1), Joshua Kimmich also stepped up.
At the 2021 EM and the 2022 WM, the captain's armband became a political controversy. Various colors, social messages: much was projected onto the article, resulting in a controversy with FIFA in Qatar. Neuer faced the consequences.
Things take a turn for the worse for him. A skiing mishap results in a fractured leg, necessitating an extended rest period. Coach Hansi Flick leaves the captaincy issue unresolved for quite some time. In one of his final moves, he designates Gündogan as captain in September 2023. Flick's successor, Nagelsmann, sticks to this decision, even after Neuer's return.
Gündogan frequently finds himself defending his reserved demeanor. It's not until the home European Championship that he truly embraces his new role. However, he later decides to relinquish the position. Just a few days after Gündogan's resignation, Neuer also brings an end to his German Football Association (DFB) tenure in August. It's time for a new beginning.
The Commission, being responsible for overseeing the selection process for the new DFB team captain, will need to consider several factors such as the candidate's leadership skills and experience in high-pressure situations. Despite being a midfielder, Ilkay Gündogan's calm and composed demeanor during challenging matches has earned him the respect of his teammates and the coaching staff, making him a strong contender for the role.
