Germany captain Joshua Kimmich believes that individual talent is not enough to rebuild the national team into a major force in international football. He stresses that strong character, mental resilience, and a shared sense of responsibility are equally important for turning potential into success. His comments come as Germany continue to face questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.

Germany’s repeated disappointments at major tournaments have increased pressure on the national team to make significant improvements. After disappointing campaigns at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, their latest setback came at the 2026 tournament in North America. Germany were eliminated in the round of 32 after losing to Paraguay on penalties, extending a difficult period for one of football’s most successful nations.

The early exit was particularly frustrating given the quality of Germany’s squad. Players such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and David Raum offer considerable technical ability and attacking potential. However, Kimmich believes that having talented individuals does not automatically translate into strong performances when the pressure is at its highest. For him, mental strength and character are essential to achieving consistent results.

As captain, Kimmich sees it as part of his responsibility to help create a stronger mentality within the team. He also wants players to develop a deeper emotional connection with the national side, making the opportunity to represent Germany something they genuinely value. Early signs from the latest team gathering have reportedly been encouraging, with players appearing happy to reunite and work together.

Germany last won the World Cup in 2014, when they lifted the trophy in Brazil. Since then, the national team has struggled to reproduce the same level of success on the international stage. Kimmich’s message highlights the need for more than technical quality alone, as Germany look to rebuild team spirit, strengthen their mentality, and restore their reputation as one of the leading nations in world football.