On Monday, Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach of the German men's football team, announced that he has appointed Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as the new captain of the national team.

During a press conference prior to Germany's Nations League match against Hungary in Düsseldorf on Saturday, Nagelsmann described Kimmich as a "role model for the entire group."

He praised Kimmich's unwavering commitment, stating, "He always gives his all, he always wants to train—sometimes even too much—he never seems tired, and he always strives to win."

At 29, Kimmich was identified as the leading figure in a player leadership group that also includes Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger and Arsenal's Kai Havertz, with Nagelsmann noting that all three share a strong rapport with their teammates.

Kimmich succeeds Ilkay Gündogan, who captained Germany during Euro 2024 before retiring from international football in August.

Having served as vice-captain since September 2023, Kimmich was elevated to this role by former coach Hansi Flick and is recognized as one of the most seasoned players on the team.

He will now lead a new wave of German football talent, following the recent retirements of Gündogan and 2014 World Cup champions Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and Manuel Neuer.

Kimmich began his career in the Stuttgart youth system alongside fellow national team members Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner, later moving to RB Leipzig in 2013 before joining Bayern in 2015. Since making his debut in 2016, he has played 91 matches for Germany, scoring six goals.

Although Kimmich has long aspired to play in midfield for both Bayern and the national team, he has frequently been utilized as a right back, a position he occupied throughout Euro 2024.

He has often been compared to former Bayern defender Philipp Lahm, who spent his entire career with the club and captained Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Following the match against Hungary, Germany will head to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands on September.