Annalena Baerbock is a football fan and is often found cheering on the Germany national teams at major tournaments. Last year, she was a favorite for her seat on the country’s women’s team at the Euros in Switzerland. And now, their hopes are cemented for the men’s team at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
She is absolutely right in this because since 2025, Baerbock has been the President of the United Nations General Assembly, who is based in New York.
Baerbock attended an awards ceremony at the recently opened German House of Soccer, where former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger were honored with awards. Müller, the most successful German player of all time, currently plies his trade for the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS and has received an honorary award. The 36-year-old plays a key role in shaping the international image of German football beyond the field thanks to his easy-going and charming behaviour. Berger received the award in the player category due to the fighting spirit and determination shown on the field by the Gotham City keeper.
Speaking at the event, Baerbock praised Germany’s teams, calling them role models and the progress they have made in recent years.
“Today we have a very diverse team, which symbolizes the new generation of German players,” Baerbock told DW. “This was not always the case. When I 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 that time.
What is a ‘real’ German?
In 2001, the striker made his debut under then Germany head coach Rudi Völler. His selection received approval from large sections of society, although he was also subjected to racist abuse. Additionally, there was debate over what constituted a “true” German, as Asamoah was born in Ghana and moved to Germany at the age of 12.
Although Erwin Kostad 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 of African descent such as Jerome Boateng, Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger and Felix Nmecha.
In the current World Cup squad, led by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, 11 of the 26 players have immigrant backgrounds – but this time there was none of the debate that arose around Asamoah’s selection.
Nevertheless, some Alternative for Germany (AfD) politicians and party supporters refer to the Germany team as the “Rainbow Squad”, criticizing greater diversity and anti-discrimination efforts. In preparation for Euro 2024, a poll by German public broadcaster WDR revealed that 21% of people voted “yes” when asked about wanting more white players in the team. Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and team captain Joshua Kimmich criticized the survey.
team above superstar
“This shows how important anti-racism campaigns are,” Baerbock said. “A team is always a reflection of society.”
He said the World Cup team underlines Germany’s diversity, sending an important message to youth in Germany and showing: “You can do it anywhere. Sports – and especially football – bring people together. On the pitch, everyone is equal, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what your parents earn, or what language you speak. What matters is that you score and are a team player.”
For this reason also, the former Foreign Minister of Germany is hopeful that Germany will go far in this World Cup.
Baerbock said, “We may not be the team that most people would have placed their bets on, but we have an amazing team spirit.” “Sometimes it’s more important to have the best team rather than the most famous superstar.”
This article is taken from German language.