Germany captain Joshua Kimmich honored teammate Niclas Füllkrug with a special presentation on the team charter flight following the 3-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade, as seen in a video shared by the German Football Association (DFB) on Instagram.
Füllkrug, a 33-year-old striker for SV Werder Bremen, returned to the national team after an absence of nearly a year and a half to earn his 25th cap. The recognition for the milestone came not on the pitch, but in the cabin of the flight back to Germany.
“Niclas, Junge,” Kimmich began his address, as captured in the DFB video. The captain said that Füllkrug had already expressed his joy at reaching 25 appearances, “and that you can also [be proud of it].”
Kimmich highlighted the unconventional nature of Füllkrug’s international career. “Because your way with the national team was certainly not the classic path,” he explained, referencing the fact that Füllkrug did not make his debut until he was 29, shortly before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“That’s why I’m all the more happy that you’re here,” Kimmich said, expressing his hope that Füllkrug would add more caps and “a few more crates” of goals to his tally. Füllkrug has scored 14 goals in his 25 appearances for Germany.
After Kimmich’s speech, Füllkrug stood to applause from his teammates and took the microphone himself. “Yes, thank you, guys,” he responded. “It’s really something special.” He added that he was proud to receive the medal and noted the long wait made the moment more meaningful.
“Every international match is special for me,” Füllkrug said, echoing comments he made in the stadium after the match. “I’m extremely happy that we were successful today, and I hope it continues like this,” he concluded.
While the jubilation on the flight was palpable, Füllkrug’s contribution to the win over Serbia was limited. According to a report from buten un binnen, the Bremer forward started on the bench as coach Jürgen Klopp chose Arsenal’s Kai Havertz in the starting lineup.
Füllkrug entered the match in the 74th minute with Germany leading 3-1. He managed one attempt on goal, a deflected shot late in the game, but had little impact as the match became chaotic. “Through all the stoppages, unfortunately, a bit of the air was out,” Füllkrug told ARD after the game, as quoted by buten un binnen.
He explained that the deteriorating pitch conditions and unpredictable balls made it difficult to find a rhythm during the stoppage time, which was marred by multiple substitutions, a VAR review, and two red cards for the Serbian team.
This appearance marked Füllkrug’s return to the national team after last playing in 2025, when he played a full match against France. His journey to 25 caps has been far from typical, but his teammates and captain made it clear they value his presence and contributions, both on and off the field.
The team’s focus now shifts to their final Nations League group match. On Monday, Germany will face the Netherlands in Berlin in a match scheduled for 20:45. A victory would secure Germany's place in the Nations League quarterfinals, and many hope Füllkrug scores as a substitute.
