Joshua Kimmich's Journey to the 100th International Cap: A Milestone Reached with Pride
Pursuing Matthew's record set by jersey numbers: "Already claiming a residence number"
Football superstar Joshua Kimmich is on the brink of an impressive milestone - his 100th cap for the German national team. This historic moment takes place during the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal, which doubles as an opportunity to keep a keen eye on the record set by Lothar Matthäus, with 150 caps[1][3][5].
Kimmich, a 30-year-old powerhouse hailing from Munich, steps onto the field as captain, with the final match set for Wednesday (21:00 CET) at the Allianz Arena. Should the team make it to the Nations League final against Spain or France just four days later, they may very well taste glory again in their hometown[2].
"A significant accomplishment," Kimmich noted, reflecting on reaching the 100-cap mark. "It makes me proud after a diverse career with the German national team, demonstrating that I have consistently performed at a high level for the past nine years and managed to stay fit and healthy throughout"[1].
Leaping from the youth to senior level wasn't on his radar at just 18 years old. A loan spell from VfB Stuttgart to RB Leipzig in the third league was all it took to kickstart his career[2].
Ronaldo's Influence and Team Goals
Facing off against superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds an awe-inspiring 220 caps for Portugal, has been an eye-opening experience for Kimmich[4][5]. Such encounters fuel his drive to make a mark on the international stage and capture major titles with Germany.
The upcoming Nations League is seen as "a stepping stone towards a greater objective" - the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kimmich acknowledges that their path to success isn't without setbacks. After the unfortunate quarter-final exit against Spain at the 2024 home Euro, they aim to learn from their mistakes and keep pushing forward[5].
Kimmich's Long and Varied Career
Kimmich made his international debut in Augsburg in a test loss to Slovakia before Euro 2016 in France. Since then, winning the 2017 Confederations Cup marks the only major success under his belt[5]. He looks back on the years following that triumph as "a somewhat lackluster period, really worse than mediocre."
However, recent accomplishments signal a turnaround for this ambitious athlete. With newer challenges ahead, Kimmich is more determined than ever to shatter records and establish himself as a legend in German football[1].
- The 100th cap for Joshua Kimmich, achieved during the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal, comes after a career that has seen him compete in various European leagues, including the Champions League.
- As Kimmich prepares for his 100th cap, he reflects on his growth as a player, learning from encounters with veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo who have thousands of international appearances.
- Beyond the upcoming Nations League, Joshua Kimmich sets his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a stepping stone towards his goal of becoming a legend in German football, following a career that started with humble beginnings in the third league.
