"Give Him Time to Think": Jürgen Klopp's "Huge Talent" Could Opt Against Germany

Paris Brunner received his first call-up to the German U21 national team on Friday. However, a future career with the senior DFB squad is not a foregone conclusion.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is actively pursuing Brunner, who is also eligible to play for the World Cup participant due to his Congolese heritage.

Congolese national coach Sebastien Desabre confirmed in a press conference that his team had contacted Brunner's family. "We approached the parents to talk, but we won't pressure him," Desabre stated. He indicated that Brunner is not making his decision lightly: "He feels as strong a connection to Congo as he does to Germany. He will take time to think, and then we will see in November what happens."

Brunner was a World and European champion with Germany's U17 team. At the 2023 World Cup, he was the top scorer and named the best player of the tournament. Following a strong start to the season with AS Monaco, he is now part of the 23-man squad for the final three qualification matches for Euro 2027.

Having moved from Borussia Dortmund to Monaco in 2024, Brunner has already scored five competitive goals this season for the second-placed team in France's Ligue 1.

Head coach Jürgen Klopp spoke about the striker during his squad announcement on Thursday. "While I haven't spoken to him directly, we are naturally aware of everything. I know Paris," Klopp said. He added that DFB youth director Hannes Wolf is "a big supporter" of Brunner, noting, "He's been playing exceptionally well recently and has been a huge talent for years."

When did Paris Brunner last play for the DFB?

The 20-year-old last wore the DFB jersey in November 2025, scoring five goals in two matches for the U20 team.

The German U21 team's path to the European Championship ticket begins with matches in Latvia (September 26) and Malta (September 30), concluding with a home game against Georgia in Bielefeld (October 6). The DFB team currently leads its qualifying group on points with Greece. Three victories would secure first place due to a superior head-to-head record. Finishing second would likely necessitate participation in the playoffs.