Baerbock: 'Germany team is an example to Germany's kids'
The president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, praises the diversity of Germany's football team as it plays in the World Cup. Annalena Baerbock
The president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, praises the diversity of Germany's football team as it plays in the World Cup. Annalena Baerbock is a football fan and is often found cheering on Germany's national teams at major tournaments. Last year, she was on the edge of her seat rooting for the country's women's team at the Euros in Switzerland. And now, her fingers are crossed for the men's team at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. She's right in the thick of it because since 2025, Baerbock has been president of the United Nations General Assembly, which is based in New York. Baerbock attended an award ceremony at the recently opened German House of Soccer, where former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger were awarded prizes. Müller, the most successful German player ever, currently plys his trade for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS and received an honorary prize. The 36-year-old plays a key role in shaping the international image of German football beyond the field thanks to his easygoing, likable manner.
Berger received the award in the player category because of the fighting spirit and determination the Gotham City keeper shows on the field. Speaking at the event, Baerbock praised the Germany teams, calling them role models and the progress itthey havehas made in recent years. "Today we have great diversity in the team, which symbolizes a new generation of German players," Baerbock told DW. "That wasn't always the case. When I had just graduated from high school, we had Gerald Asamoah, one of the first players born in Africa to play for the German national team." The 45-year-old recalled the discussions surrounding Asamoah at the time. What is a 'real' German? In 2001, the striker made his debut under then-Germany head coach Rudi Völler. His selection was met with approval by large segments of society, though there were also racist slurs directed at him. In addition, a debate arose over what constitutes a "true" German, since Asamoah was born in Ghana and moved to Germany at the age of 12.
Though Erwin Kostedde was the first Black player to represent the German national team, Asamoah's selection for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, also paved the way for the modern era of players with African roots, such as Jerome Boateng, Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger and Felix Nmecha. In the current World Cup squad, led by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, 11 of the 26 players have an immigrant background — but this time around there was no debate like the one that arose when Asamoah was selected. Nevertheless, some Alternative for Germany (AfD) politicians and supporters of the party refer to the Germany team as the "rainbow squad," criticizing the push for greater diversity and anti-discrimination. In the build-up to Euro 2024, a survey from German public broadcaster WDR revealed that 21% of the people polled voted "yes" when asked about wanting more white players on the team. The survey was criticized by Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann and team captain Joshua Kimmich. Team over superstars "That shows how important anti-racism campaigns are," Baerbock said.
The BriefWire