Joshua Kimmich Named New Germany Captain as Ilkay Gundogan Retires

Joshua Kimmich will replace Ilkay Gundogan as Germany's captain following Gundogan's international retirement. Julian Nagelsmann announced Kimmich's leadership role. Kimmich, a Bavarian Munich player, debuted for Germany in 2016 and has 91 caps. With Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz as vice-captains, Germany prepares for upcoming Nations League matches.

Joshua Kimmich will succeed Ilkay Gundogan as Germany's new captain after the Manchester City midfielder retired from international football, the national team's coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Monday.

Gundogan, 33, retired from internationals after winning 82 caps, featuring in all five games for Germany at Euro 2024, with his last appearance in their quarter-final defeat by champions Spain.

Kimmich, 29, who plays for Bayern Munich as a right back and midfielder, will lead Germany against Hungary in the Nations League on Saturday. Coach Nagelsmann highlighted Kimmich's mentality, calling him the logical successor.

Real Madrid centre back Antonio Rudiger and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz will be vice-captains. Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the good mix of leadership with these three players.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona's captain, will be Germany's number one goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer's retirement after 124 games and a World Cup golden glove award. Ter Stegen has 40 Germany caps and is now firmly established as the team's first choice.

Germany is set to play Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands in League A Group 3 of the Nations League.

(With inputs from agencies.)