Rudi Völler Backs Joshua Kimmich to Remain Germany Captain Under Jürgen Klopp

Germany sporting director Rudi Völler has made clear he expects Joshua Kimmich to keep the captain’s armband under new head coach Jürgen Klopp, removing one of the early uncertainties surrounding the transition. Speaking at the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz, Völler gave a strong vote of confidence to the 31-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder.

Völler’s endorsement comes after Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation following Germany’s last-32 exit to Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Klopp took over on a four-year contract, opening the possibility of a leadership reshuffle. But Völler sees no reason to change the structure.

Por que importa

“I’m going to assume he’ll continue in the role,” Völler said. “Jo Kimmich has proven in many international matches that he’s a standard-bearer, a brilliant captain.”

Kimmich was appointed captain by Nagelsmann in September 2024, after Ilkay Gündogan retired from international football. He led Germany through the World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and has been a regular starter for the national team since his debut under Joachim Löw in May 2016.

Contexto

If Kimmich features in Germany’s first match under Klopp — a 2026/27 UEFA Nations League meeting with the Netherlands on 24 September — it would be his 115th senior cap. The fixture will also be Klopp’s first competitive game in charge.

Kimmich’s club career at Bayern Munich adds to his authority. With 324 Bundesliga appearances and 10 league titles, he is one of the most decorated German players of his generation. His experience in high-pressure matches, both domestically and in the Champions League, makes him a natural leader in the dressing room.

The continuity argument has weight. Germany’s squad is undergoing a transition after the early World Cup exit, and keeping a stable captaincy could help maintain focus during Klopp’s first months. Völler’s public backing also signals that the federation’s hierarchy supports the current leadership structure, avoiding any distraction ahead of the Nations League campaign.

Klopp has not yet announced his first squad, but the expectation is that Kimmich will remain a central figure. The new coach’s relationship with the players will be closely watched, and Kimmich’s role as captain could be key in implementing Klopp’s tactical ideas.

Key facts

For readers of FootballGames10, this story matters because it touches on the leadership of the German national team at the start of a new era. Kimmich is a key figure for both Bayern Munich and the national team, and his continuity as captain provides a reference point for fans following the Bundesliga and international football. The Nations League match against the Netherlands will be an early test of Klopp’s influence and how Kimmich works with the new coach.

The decision is not yet official — Klopp will name his first squad in the coming weeks. But Völler’s comments suggest the federation is leaning toward stability. With Germany aiming to rebuild after a disappointing World Cup, retaining an experienced captain like Kimmich could be a pragmatic first step.

Source: Bundesliga – https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/kimmich-backed-to-stay-germany-captain-klopp-voller-38400