- Khedira appeals for Kimmich's consideration
According to ex-World Cup champion Sami Khedira, Joshua Kimmich would be a solid pick as the new captain of the football national team, following Ilkay Gündogan's departure. German coach Julian Nagelsmann needs to choose a successor before the upcoming September international matches. Nagelsmann will announce the squad for the Nations League matches against Hungary on the 7th of September in Düsseldorf and against the Netherlands on the 10th in Amsterdam.
Khedira (37) voiced his support for Bayern Munich star Kimmich (29) on Sky TV, with whom he previously played for the national team. "He may be controversial, but I think that stems from being targeted from multiple angles and experts," said Khedira.
The ex-national team member also added: "But if you know him, if you know his ambition, if you know his athletic ability, and his eagerness to assume leadership roles, I believe he would be an excellent choice to replace Ilkay Gündogan if he is properly backed and encouraged."
With the national team retirements of past World Cup teammates, such as Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and Gündogan, Khedira views the time leading up to the 2026 World Cup as an opportunity. "An opportunity for young players, an opportunity for the coaching team to inject some new blood," said Khedira, mentioning Angelo Stiller from VfB Stuttgart as an example. The 23-year-old might even earn a nod from Nagelsmann.
In this context, the new captain of the football national team is expected to lead Germany against Hungary during the upcoming September international matches. Khedira believes that if properly supported and encouraged, Kimmich could effectively replace Gündogan as the captain, given his ambition, athletic ability, and eagerness for leadership roles.
