Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich has been named Germany captain following Ilkay Gundogan’s international retirement.
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz — who previously captain Germany at youth level — have been selected vice captains by head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“Kimmich was the logical successor,” said Nagelsmann. “He leads the way with his mentality. With the three players we have a very good mix.”
29-year-old Kimmich has been capped 91 times at senior international level since making his debut in 2016 and has already captained the national side on 17 occasions.
While not captain for club side Bayern Munich, he has frequently worn the armband in Manuel Neuer’s absence.
Kimmich started all five of Germany’s Euro 2024 matches at right-back as Nagelsmann’s side reached the quarter-final stage.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — confirmed by Nagelsmann as Neuer’s successor on Monday — Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, Niclas Fullkrug of West Ham and Borussia Dortmund’s Pascal Gross have also been selected as Germany’s new leadership council.
“The team council is a very good, responsible group,” Nagelsmann added. “We selected it well, the players were all very happy and are keen to fill their roles.”
Gundogan had been appointed Germany captain by Nagelsmann’s predecessor Hansi Flick in September 2023 in the absence of the injured Neuer.
The Manchester City midfielder retained the armband under Nagelsmann but retired from international football after the 2024 European Championship alongside Neuer, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos, with the latter ending his professional playing career.
Germany begin a new Nations League campaign this month and will play Hungary in Dusseldorf on September 7 and then face the Netherlands in Amsterdam three days later.
Nagelsmann has selected uncapped midfielder Angelo Stiller for the two fixtures, but again there is no place in the squad for Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka or Serge Gnabry.
New vice captain Rudiger is also missing in a planned absence, with the 31-year-old using the international break to recuperate following a busy summer.
(Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)
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