The German national football team is no longer officially known as “Die Mannschaft”. Germany distances itself from the brand after protests from fans and officials. “The performance of the national team is more important than the name itself,” the German federation said.
The German national team carried the name “Die Mannschaft” for many years. The team was so called at home and abroad, but that name was only officially adopted in 2015, a year after the World Cup final victory in Brazil.
However, due to the lesser results in recent years, the name has been questioned. Research shows that many Germans find the term too arrogant and disrespectful to other teams.
“There is disagreement about the name and the national team should unite the nation, not divide it. That is why we are dropping the official name again. The performance of the national team is more important than the name itself. The values for which the DFB stands, must be expressed on and off the field,” said DFB chairman Bernd Neuendorf.
