Midfielder Nadiem Amiri rejoins the national squad following a resurgence in form and personal milestones.
Nadiem Amiri has made a return to the Germany national football team, nearly five years after his last cap in November 2020. This decision was initiated by head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who reached out to Amiri as part of a reshuffling of the squad due to injuries affecting other players.
Amiri had previously been overlooked during the tenure of former head coach Joachim Löw, which contributed to a challenging spell in his international career.
Amiri expressed emotional gratitude for this reconnection with the national team in Nagelsmann’s recent communication.
His performance with Mainz in the Bundesliga has significantly contributed to his selection.
Notably, Amiri's return to the squad aligns with his club teammate Jonathan Burkardt, marking a significant moment as it is the first time in 15 years that two players from Mainz have represented Germany together, evoking memories of former players Andre Schürrle and Lewis Holtby.
Born in 1996, Amiri's football journey began in Ludwigshafen, West Germany, where his parents fled from war-torn
Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Their pursuit of a better life for their children has been a core part of Amiri's narrative, as he learned the values of hard work and perseverance from them.
He began his football training at a local club in Kaiserslautern, approximately 60 kilometers from his home.
Amiri achieved notable milestones throughout his career, including winning the U19 league title with Hoffenheim and becoming the youngest member of Germany’s U21 squad at the European Championship in 2017. His move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2019 marked a crucial pivot, leading to his international debut soon after.
His recent selection for the national squad has elicited positive responses from football fans in
Afghanistan, with many reaching out to congratulate his family.
Throughout his career, Amiri has remained connected to his roots, with his cousin Zubayr, a player for the Afghan national team, keeping him informed about football developments in
Afghanistan.
In addition to his football career, Amiri has engaged in various social responsibility initiatives, particularly in support of refugees, reflecting on his family's experiences.
His commitment to such causes has been evident through his participation in initiatives organized by organizations like the Red Cross.
Amiri's career has not been without challenges, including facing racial abuse in 2021 and a series of setbacks following a disappointing loan spell in Italy and a failed transfer to Leeds in England.
However, his trajectory took a positive turn after joining Mainz in January 2024, allowing him to remain close to his familial roots in Ludwigshafen.
His contributions have been instrumental in helping Mainz avoid relegation and aspire for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga this season.
Amiri’s return to the national team highlights the complexities of individual narratives within the realm of professional sports and signals a journey of resilience and renewed potential.