Germany Reserves Iconic No. 10 Jersey for Jamal Musiala Ahead of World Cup
Despite being sidelined due to injury, playmaker Jamal Musiala remains firmly in Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann's plans for the upcoming summer World Cup. This commitment is notably underscored by the German Football Association's (DFB) decision regarding jersey numbers as the team kicks off its World Cup year preparations.
For the upcoming international friendlies – first in Basel against Switzerland on Friday, followed by a match in Stuttgart against Ghana three days later – Musiala's renowned number '10' will not be assigned to any other player.
The legendary digit stands as the sole number between one and 26 to be deliberately withheld during this double-header of test matches. Musiala, who plays for Bayern Munich, is currently recovering from a pain reaction following a significant injury sustained last summer.
Nagelsmann openly stated he would have "loved to have the 23-year-old talent present." However, he opted to leave out the offensive player, prioritizing his health and acknowledging FC Bayern's critical "crunch time" in their pursuit of the league title.
DFB Team: Other Key Jersey Assignments
As anticipated, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann will wear the number one jersey for both matches in Basel and Stuttgart. The Hoffenheim player serves as the primary choice in the German goal during the absence of the injured Marc-André ter Stegen.
Captain Joshua Kimmich retains his familiar number '6', even with considerations for him potentially playing as a right-back at the World Cup. Winger Kevin Schade has been assigned the center-forward's number '9'. Newcomer Lennart Karl will wear '25' as he aims to secure a squad spot for the final tournament set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Fresh materials — Serie A
FC Bayern Dismisses Michael Olise and Luis Diaz Transfer Speculation
FC Bayern's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, has firmly shut down any possibility of winger Michael Olise transferring to Real Madrid. When asked about the extent of contact from Madrid this summer, Dreesen responded with a smile, "Zero," clarifying that there had been no calls, letters, faxes,
Josko Gvardiol Extends Manchester City Contract Amidst Past Interest from European Giants
Manchester City has secured the long-term future of defender Josko Gvardiol by extending his contract by three years, keeping him at the club until 2031. This move effectively ties down a key player who had been the subject of interest from other major European clubs. Gvardiol expressed his imm
Zinedine Zidane wird neuer Trainer der französischen Nationalmannschaft: Presse feiert die "neue Ära" und das "beeindruckende Erbe"
Die Ernennung von Zinedine Zidane zum neuen französischen Nationaltrainer hat die internationale Presse und Fußballwelt in Aufruhr versetzt. Vielerorts wird von einer "neuen Ära" gesprochen, und die Vorfreude in Frankreich ist groß. Nach einer fünfjährigen Auszeit kehrt die Fußballlegende in e
Chelsea Reportedly Keen on Veteran Signings, Including Henderson and Welbeck
FC Chelsea is reportedly determined to bolster their squad with seasoned veterans, and Jordan Henderson is said to be on their radar. According to reports from The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano, among others, the 36-year-old midfielder, despite having a contract with FC Brentford until 2027,
Roberto Mancini Returns as Italy National Team Coach
Italy, the four-time World Cup champions, is entering a new phase of its tumultuous restructuring. Following an extensive and dramatic search for a new manager, Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new, and indeed old, national team coach. The Italian Football Federation's President, Giov
FIFA Admits Referee Error Benefited Argentina in 2026 World Cup
The custodians of international football's rules have acknowledged that Argentina benefited from a contentious refereeing decision in the 2026 World Cup. Specifically, this pertains to the case of Breel Embolo. The former Bundesliga striker was sent off with a second yellow card in the 72nd