Joshua Kimmich: From Near Exit to Germany’s World Cup Captain
Joshua Kimmich’s journey with the German national team has been a testament to resilience and leadership. After captaining Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kimmich’s role has evolved significantly. His first major tournament appearance was at the 2016 European Championships, where he made just one appearance, but by the 2018 World Cup, he was a key player—though that campaign ended in disappointment as the reigning champions exited in the group stages. Now, years later, he stands as the team’s captain, a role he has earned through consistent performances and unwavering commitment.
Interestingly, Kimmich’s path to this leadership position was not without its twists. In the summer of 2024, he was reportedly close to leaving Bayern Munich, with Paris Saint-Germain emerging as the most serious option. Reflecting on that period, Kimmich revealed, “I was supposed to be an important piece of the puzzle there as a player with a bit more experience.” However, he stayed, and since then, he has regained a starting role in midfield, worn the Bayern captain’s armband multiple times, and become one of coach Vincent Kompany’s most important players. This resurgence has directly translated to his national team duties, where he now leads Germany into the 2026 World Cup as captain.
German sporting director Rudi Völler has expressed confidence in Kimmich’s continued leadership, stating, “I’m going to assume [he’ll continue in the role].” Völler’s support comes amid discussions about the team’s offensive struggles, and he has specifically called out two attacking stars to step up. “It’s important for us as a national team that they perform, as they have some players who are potential candidates for us,” he added, emphasizing the need for key players to deliver on the international stage.
Kimmich’s evolution from a peripheral figure in 2016 to the captain of the national team is a story of perseverance and growth. His ability to overcome setbacks, both at club and international level, has made him a cornerstone of German football. As he leads his country into the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on him to inspire a new generation and restore Germany’s standing on the global stage
Shimanta Das 
