#german-football

#german-football

Leeds United could be set to part ways with Japanese international Ao Tanaka this summer, as the club adopts an open-minded stance regarding the midfielder's future.

Felix Wienand was playing for Rot-Weiss Essen against Waldhof Mannheim in the German third division when the firecracker exploded "in his immediate vicinity" after being thrown from an area of the stands containing Mannheim fans, Essen said.

Luke McCowan's goal inside 30 seconds was irrelevant in the broader context of this tie. Stuttgart's 4-1 canter in Glasgow a week earlier ensured that. Still, a game that had the whiff of irrelevance for Celtic delivered unexpected cheer.

It was probably fitting that the first call from someone with genuine power should emanate from Germany, long one of soccer's moral centers. The time has definitely come, German soccer federation vice-president Oke Gottlich told the Hamburger Morgenpost, to seriously consider and discuss a boycott of the 2026 World Cup. What were the justifications for the boycotts of the Olympic Games in the 1980s?

Nearly 30 years have passed since a German footballer last won the Ballon d'Or, the sport's most prestigious individual prize. In 1996, Matthias Sammer was awarded the trophy on the heels of a European Championship victory for his country and just several months before he would go on to win the Champions League title with his club, Borussia Dortmund. Even before Sammer, German footballers had seen considerable Ballon d'Or success, particularly in the 1970s and early 80s.

It is hard to believe that a mere 16 months ago, as they celebrated an unprecedented, unbeaten domestic double-winning season with their awestruck fans at the BayArena, Bayer Leverkusen resembled the very picture of stability, health and continuity. It seemed as though Die Werkself were set to maintain their soaring productivity levels, with Xabi Alonso working his coaching magic and having rebuffed his former clubs, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, as they searched for new managers.

Germany's U-21s have showcased their attacking prowess by defeating top teams, though their forwards have struggled under pressure, highlighting squad fatigue.

Since her retirement in 2018, Josie Henning has transitioned to a successful career as a pundit, showcasing her extensive football knowledge and experience.

Nick Woltemade is making an argument for player of the tournament. The Stuttgart forward had another impressive performance with a goal and two assists, now reaching six goal contributions after two matches.

"Liverpool are leading the race to sign Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, as his preference for a move to Anfield becomes clearer."

Woltemade has good chances of being called up to the senior national team for the Nations League Final Four, filling the gap left by injured players.

Football meant the world to him. When he no longer had football, he was no longer well. He loved Die Lowen. They were close to his heart.