Breaking Matthäus' Record: Kimmich Chases Glory with 100th Cap
German Midfielder Kimmich Closes in on Matthaus's Milestone: Significant Achievement Looming - Pursuing Matthew's record, Kimmich now sports a distinctive residence number: "Already bearing a residential digits equivalent to Matthew's achievement"
In the lead-up to the Nations League semi-final against Portugal, Joshua Kimmich sets his sights on Lothar Matthäus' record of 150 international caps. "A lot has to fall into place to surpass 150: You need to stay healthy, perform at a high level, have a coach backing you, and make headway in tournaments," the passionate 30-year-old told "Kicker."
Admiring the feat of the 1990 World Cup winner Matthäus, Kimmich will celebrate his historic 100th cap in his adopted hometown of Munich, leading the national team as captain, Wednesday, 21:00 CET (ZDF and DAZN). Victory would send Germany to the Nations League final against Spain or France at the Allianz Arena four days later.
"A significant milestone," Kimmich said of the landmark we all anticipate. It fills him with immense pride after a versatile career, demonstrating his consistent high-level performance and fitness for almost a decade. He made his debut in Augsburg prior to the 2016 European Championship in France, with a young Kimmich delivering Germany’s only success to date, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup victory.[4]
On the radar of stardom at merely 18, Kimmich recalled his loan spell from Stuttgart to RB Leipzig in the 3rd league, where team discussions questioned if he'd make it in the Bundesliga. "100 internationals – that's a significant milestone, it's something admirable," beamed Kimmich, reflecting on the accomplishment.
While the 2018 World Cup and subsequent events have faced critical opinions, the Nations League forms a building block towards an even greater goal. "This is a stepping stone to our ultimate aim," Kimmich declared with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.
- Milestones Reached: Joshua Kimmich – 100 caps, Lothar Matthäus – 150 caps for the German national team
- Key Player: Joshua Kimmich
- Notable Achievements: Lothar Matthäus, 150 caps; Joshua Kimmich, 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup victory
- Nations League Semi-Final: Germany vs. Portugal
- Captain's Hometown: Joshua Kimmich, Munich
[1] German football history's elite international cap recipients
[2] Germany's greatest international caps
[3][4] "Kicker" - Kimmich aims for Matthäus' record and discusses Germany's prospects for the Nations League
The Commission, in light of Kimmich's pursuit of Lothar Matthäus' record, might consider incorporating a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in the realm of sports, particularly football. As Kimmich reflects on his career milestones, he might find parallels between his 100 caps for the German national team and the collective successes of European leagues such as the Champions League. In the future, he could aim for a higher level of accomplishment, inspired by Matthäus, who holds 150 caps, and Sergio Ramos, who earned 180 caps in Spain and stamped his name in sports analysis as one of the greatest defenders in European football history.
