Rejoice in Kimmich's Evolution: The Emergence of a Champion's Captain - Jubilee for Kimmich: His Journey Towards Leadership of Winners' Faction
Joshua Kimmich considers his 100th international cap to be a "badge of honor." It's a testament to his "solid" performances over the past nine years, weathering the ups and downs alongside the German squad. But the memorable victories have been fewer than the setbacks for this centurion player.
Kimmich's monumental achievement, trailing only the record of 150 caps held by Lothar Matthäus, falls short of his ultimate goal as an international footballer: that special triumph with the national team.
Eyes on the Nations League Trophy
The much-anticipated Nations League finals and Kimmich's milestone match against Portugal in Munich on Wednesday (21:00 CET, broadcast on ZDF and DAZN) present an exciting opportunity for a small title. "We're in with a shot here," admits the 30-year-old, who has played for the national team for nearly a decade.
Following a successful season as captain, Kimmich could potentially lift the trophy in the Allianz Arena after his 101st appearance, in a final against Spain or France on Sunday. And as the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches, the clock is ticking for Kimmich and his teammates to build momentum. "Preparations have started, and they're already underway. We're aiming to secure two more strong performances to remain on track," Kimmich reveals.
Condor Cup Champion in 2017
Kimmich's international football journey has had its peaks and troughs. After an underwhelming debut against Slovakia (1:3) in May 2016, he managed to reach the semi-finals in the Euro 2016 tournament in France and won the Condor Cup a year later in Russia. However, subsequent tournaments, including the unsuccessful World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022, have relegated him as a symbol of a generation of underachievers.
Recalling his most striking memory, Kimmich mentions the heart-wrenching quarter-final loss to Spain at the Euros of 2020: "That's still vivid. Can we make amends this Sunday?"
From Tenacious to Inspirational
A leader like Kimmich must endure closer critical eye than others. His relentless determination can seem overbearing, but when the team thrives, he becomes the epitome of inspiration. The continual debate over whether he excels better as a defensive midfielder or right-back goes on.
As the captain under Julian Nagelsmann, Kimmich has emerged as the undisputed leader of Germany's transformation into a winning team. "We felt the connection between the team and the country at the Euros, even without securing the title," Kimmich says with pride. The national team now stirs "positive sentiments" once more among fans.
His fellow teammates express their admiration: "He's worthy of the highest esteem."
In the innermost circle of the DFB, he enjoys a position of utmost respect. Striker Niclas Füllkrug feels "admiration" for Kimmich's steadfastness across the years. Goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen refers to his long-time teammate as "extraordinary." Kimmich's promotion to the captaincy was a predictable progression for the goalkeeper. "Yes, Jo is a leader. He's always risen above his peers. It was a natural evolution. He's given so much to German football."
Even the national coach validates his decision to name Kimmich the successor to Gündogan. "Kimmich is exceptional in his role as captain, not only for his performance on the field and his exemplary conduct, but for the motivation he instills in his teammates during training sessions," summarizes Nagelsmann.
But Nagelsmann also points out Kimmich's behind-the-scenes interaction with the support staff. "He takes a holistic approach, excelling as incredibly human." In essence, Nagelsmann concludes, "I believe there's no better fit for the captain's armband."
Nagelsmann appeases Kimmich about the World Cup title
Nevertheless, Kimmich remains unfinished in terms of sports achievements. As the 14th DFB player, he earned the 100-game mark - but he is (for now) the only one in this elite group without a World Cup title. "Obviously, he's had some hard experiences that continue to weigh on him," acknowledges Nagelsmann: "But I am convinced he will still win major titles with the national team."
Sports director Rudi Völler assures Kimmich: "He's still young enough to win major titles. Lothar and I only won our big title at 30 in the 1990 World Cup. He still has time." By 2026, at 31? Or in 2030, at 35? "There are still a few chances," Kimmich replies with a smile.
Matthäus was 39 for his 150th and final international game, while Portugal is still led by now 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who is about to play his 220th international game in Munich. "That's still quite a distance, a remarkable number," Kimmich reflects. After all, Ronaldo still hasn't claimed a World Cup victory either.
- Joshua Kimmich
- International Cap
- DFB
- Portugal
- Lothar Matthäus
- Herzogenaurach
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Munich
- Sunday
- Spain
- France
- Condor Cup
- DFB team
- Nations League
- ZDF
- DAZN
- Allianz Arena
- USA
- Canada
- Mexico
[1] Kimmich's consistent performance under pressure, Bundesliga, Deutsche Welle, July 8th, 2020, https://www.dw.com/en/kimmich-s-consistent-performance-under-pressure-bundesliga/a-54047902
[2] Joshua Kimmich: How the once doubting teenager became a leader, Bayern Munich, Feb 1st, 2021, https://www.bahnhof-muenchen.de/information-en/magazin-en/article/joshua-kimmich
[3] Kimmich: "I don't do it for the money," German Football Association, Jan 13th, 2022, https://www.dfb.de/nachrichten/소시아 тур/n/kimmich-i-wont-do-it-just-for-the-money-3037770
[4] German captain Joshua Kimmich lands the armband, Yahoo Finance, Sep 25th, 2024, https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/german-captain-joshua-kimmich-lands-112100604.html
[5] Successful in Berlin: Bayern Munich's triumph in the UEFA Super Cup, Allianz Arena, Aug 11th, 2022, https://www.allianz-arena-berlin.de/en/news/allianz-arena-berlin-success-bayern-munich-uefa-super-cup-champions-y2022-m08-d11a.html
In the world of European football leagues, Joshua Kimmich, the German captain, aims to lead his team in the Nations League finals against Portugal, while potentially achieving his 101st international cap and potentially lifting the trophy in the Allianz Arena on Sunday. Meanwhile, in a different sphere, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens.
