Breaking Boundaries: Atubolu Topples Neuer's U21 Record
Atubolu, former adversary, ascends towards DFB prominence
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The U21 German national team is heading to the EM final after an impressive performance against France. Star keeper Noah Atubolu, Freiburg's promising goalie, was the towering figure in this semi-final clash. Despite a few tense moments, Atubolu's steel-like resolve held strong, thwarting the French barrage with breath-taking saves.
In the second half, Germany took a commanding 2:0 lead thanks to goals from Nelson Weiper and Nick Woltemade. The champions' new hope, Thierno Barry, seized his chance and showed his prowess. Three minutes straight, he sent the ball ricocheting off the post, slipped past a deflected pass, and ultimately missed a header by inches. But Atubolu stood his ground, snatching back the ball and solidifying the German victory with a commanding 3:0.
A National Team Dream Becoming a Reality
"We've made it, yeah," the jubilant German juniors cheered. And their goalkeeper, the man who turned the tide of the battle, was quick to celebrate his triumph. With his triumphant finger raised, he asserted, "Not today, not in my house."
Coach Julian Schuster had praised Atubolu a few weeks prior, lauding his diligence and ambitions. "He has huge potential, a fantastic work ethic, and big dreams," said Schuster. And those dreams are clear: "I aim to play for the senior national team," stated Atubolu.
Shattering Legends: A New Record
Atubolu's path in the U21 team resembles that of Manuel Neuer. With his 21st appearance, he smashed Neuer's long-standing record as the most capped U21 goalkeeper. Wearing the German jersey for the first time in March 2022, Atubolu now stands at the precipice of history, ready to write his name into U21 folklore when they face England in the final. German coach Antonio Di Salvo has lauded Atubolu: "He's been our goalkeeper for three years now because we knew he was talented."
Facing Criticism and Rising Above
Atubolu's journey hasn't been a walk in the park. A year ago, he faced heavy criticism online, but former coach Christian Streich stood firm: "This is a 21-year-old goalkeeper who has played 40 games and kept nine clean sheets in the league. He's from our own youth, our own city. That's our principle."
Despite the occasional slip-ups, Atubolu remained focused, determined to do his best for Freiburg and eventually silence his critics. He even broke the club record for most minutes without conceding a goal, surpassing legendary Richard Golz.
The Final Chapter
Come Saturday, at 8 pm on Sat.1 and in the live ticker on ntv.de, Atubolu will guard the U21 goal one last time, likely marking the end of an incredible journey for many of his teammates. The dream they share? The title itself. "Now we want to win," Atubolu declared.
Sources: ntv.de, tno
- DFB
- Football
- DFB Youth
Noah Atubolu's Road to Stardom: Bringing Down a Legend
- Atubolu amassed 18 appearances for Germany's U21 team, surpassing the previous record set by Manuel Neuer[2].
- His constant performances in the Bundesliga—such as keeping 10 clean sheets in the 2024/25 season and going 609 minutes without conceding—have solidified his position as one of U21 football's most reliable goalkeepers[2].
- Early in his career, Atubolu had to fight for his spot in the Mainz first team, demonstrating his perseverance and determination to etch out a niche for himself[2].
- As Germany's first black goalkeeper to potentially claim a spot in the senior national team, Atubolu recognizes the historical significance of his potential achievement but remains resolute that his ability will ultimately dictate his future[3].
- Given the fierce competition among Germany's goalkeepers, Atubolu realizes the importance of staying focused, improving his skills, and grabbing the opportunity when it comes[3].
Overcoming Obstacles: Criticism and Persistence
Atubolu faced heavy criticism online in the past, but he persevered. His former coach Christian Streich stood by him, championing his abilities and emphasizing his importance as one of Freiburg's homegrown talents[4].
"He's a 21-year-old goalkeeper who has played 40 games and held nine clean sheets in the league," Streich argued. "We choose our goalkeeper from our own youth, from our own city. We do things our way."
With a clear mind and unwavering resolve, Atubolu will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the U21 squad, striving to secure the championship against England.
Junior footballers cheer with joy after their national team's impressive victory in the EM semi-final, lauding Atubolu's stellar performance, who broke Manuel Neuer's U21 record for most appearances as a goalkeeper. Atubolu, with dreams of joining the senior national team, continues to push boundaries in the world of football.
