- Nagelsmann announces officially: Kimmich follows Gündogan's footsteps
Joshua Kimmich has been chosen as the new head of the German national football team by Julian Nagelsmann, replacing Ilkay Gündogan as expected. The 29-year-old Munich local will guide the DFB team towards the 2026 World Cup in North America. Gündogan stepped down from international duties post-Euro at home. Nagelsmann has selected Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz as Kimmich's vice-captains.
In the words of Nagelsmann during the DFB team's meeting in Herzogenaurach, "The captain is the representative of the team, voicing the team's sentiments. We searched for players with a strong bond."
As explained by the coach, "Josh was one of the three captains in the Euro, so it makes perfect sense that he was the front-runner when others weren't available." Kimmich is described as an individual who consistently gives his all, sometimes to a fault, and one who is always hungry for victory.
Kimmich will first don the captain's band in the Nations League opener next Saturday (20:45 CET) against Hungary in Düsseldorf. This appointment as captain marks a significant honor in his already noteworthy DFB tenure. The determined professional first took to the national team in the Euro warm-up against Slovakia in May 2016 (1:3).
A mix of triumph and setbacks followed his debut, including the Confed Cup victory in 2017, but unfortunate early exits from the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, and Euro disappointment in 2021 - the unfortunate phase of the DFB team was also closely associated with Kimmich's journey. The positive home Euro, with impressive performances, a great atmosphere, and ultimately a heartbreaking quarter-final exit against Spain this summer, is supposed to mark a new beginning. Kimmich has consistently reiterated his leadership aspirations. He has previously worn the DFB armband, such as when serving as Manuel Neuer's deputy.
A potential induction into the 100-club is anticipated in the summer. With 91 international appearances, Kimmich is undeniably the most experienced player in Nagelsmann's squad at the moment. During the coming summer, he may join the exclusive 100-club. Trailing behind him are Rüdiger (74), Havertz (51), and Marc-André ter Stegen (40), who will take over from Manuel Neuer as the first choice goalkeeper. The goalkeeper, along with Jonathan Tah, Pascal Groß, and Niclas Füllkrug, have been inducted into the new team council.
The statement, "The following is added: Kai Havertz and Antonio Ruďger as vice-captains," can be found in the context of Nagelsmann discussing his selections for Kimmich's vice-captains.
As the text mentions, "As expected, Joshua Kimmich has been chosen as the new head of the German national football team by Julian Nagelsmann," it can be followed by, "The following is added: Their appointment as captain and vice-captain marks significant roles in the DFB team's journey towards the 2026 World Cup in North America."
