Joshua Kimmich, captain of the DFB national team, is focused on his leadership role while navigating off-field challenges. He remains noncommittal about his future with FC Bayern despite management’s interest in renewing his contract. Kimmich emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making and reflects on the politicization of football, particularly regarding the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. He hopes future tournaments will allow players to concentrate on sports rather than political controversies, while acknowledging the significant issues faced during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Joshua Kimmich’s Leadership Role and Future at FC Bayern
As the captain of the DFB national team, Joshua Kimmich finds himself navigating not just the game, but also significant off-field issues. Despite this responsibility, he admits that he prefers to engage less in discussions surrounding politics and social matters. When it comes to his future with FC Bayern, Kimmich remains intentionally ambiguous.
Contract Decisions and Future Aspirations
The 29-year-old midfielder is taking his time in making decisions about his future, particularly in light of the criticism he has faced. Discussing the possibility of extending his contract, which is set to expire at the season’s end, Kimmich described the situation as “very interesting and exciting.” He made these remarks ahead of the DFB team’s final Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary.
Kimmich shared that he is in ongoing communication with the club, noting how quickly perceptions can shift in football. There were moments when speculation suggested he might depart from Bayern, but he has since solidified his position under coach Vincent Kompany, playing every minute of the 16 matches this season.
The Bayern management has indicated their desire to renew Kimmich’s contract. He emphasized the importance of making a well-considered decision about his future, stating, “Of course, the past plays a role, but especially the future.” Jokingly, he mentioned the possibility of still being around for the 2034 World Cup, expressing a desire to play at the highest levels rather than extend his career into lower leagues.
Kimmich also addressed the politicization of football, especially in light of the anticipated 2034 World Cup being awarded to Saudi Arabia. While he aims to advocate for non-negotiable values such as human rights, he acknowledges that he is not a political expert. The awarding of the World Cup is ultimately in FIFA’s hands, and he believes it’s right for all countries to apply.
Reflecting on his experiences during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kimmich hopes future players can focus more on the sporting aspects of these tournaments. He noted that the players themselves do not control the decision-making process regarding host nations, emphasizing their duty to perform well when called upon by the national coach. He articulated that the team’s image suffered during the tournament, overshadowed by political controversies and poor performance on the field.
While acknowledging Qatar’s impressive infrastructure and organization, Kimmich lamented that the joy of the tournament was marred by significant political issues. He expressed concern over the reported fatalities of numerous workers during construction, which Qatar has denied. He concluded by suggesting that Germany and the West should sometimes refocus on their own issues, as they do not always get everything right.