DFB-Kapitän Joshua Kimmich experienced a deeply emotional moment during his team’s 2-1 victory over Mainz 05, scoring a goal and immediately dedicating it to his late father, Berthold. The 31-year-old midfielder, who missed three Bundesliga matches following his father’s death, admitted the goal brought a wave of feelings as he was forced to confront his loss while on the pitch. “Ich musste tatsächlich dann sofort an ihn denken,” Kimmich said after the match.
Kimmich’s 14th-minute strike, a powerful 18-meter shot that nestled under the crossbar, opened the scoring for the league leaders. The goal was particularly significant as it was his first in competitive play since his father’s passing. Following the celebration, where he leaped into the air and pointed his index finger toward the sky, Kimmich was visibly moved by the personal nature of the moment. DAZN commentator Lukas Schönmüller noted, “Man sieht es ihm an. Da geht viel in ihm vor.”
Kimmich's Emotional Goal Celebration
From the edge of the penalty area, Kimmich unleashed a shot that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net. According to Sport Bild, Kimmich “ran with a clenched fist” before looking skyward and “completely overwhelmed by his feelings,” a sentiment echoed by DAZN commentator Lukas Schönmüller, who noted, “Man sieht es ihm an. Da geht viel in ihm vor.”
The emotional display was not lost on his teammates or coaching staff. The TZ described the scene as a “Gänsehaut-Moment” for the Mewa Arena, where the “angestaute Last der vergangenen Wochen” was released by Kimmich in a single, cathartic act on the field.
A Personal Struggle on the Pitch
In the post-match interviews, Kimmich provided a candid window into his state of mind. He explained that while athletes typically try to block out personal issues during a game, his recent reality makes that nearly impossible. “Normal blendet man das ja auf dem Fußballfeld aus”, he stated. “Aber momentan ist das eher die schwierigste Phase, wenn man auf dem Platz steht.”
The midfielder elaborated on the profound connection he shared with his father through football. “Wenn man Fußball spielt, dann muss man am öftesten an ihn denken – weil der Fußball uns extrem verbunden hat. Deswegen war es heute sehr emotional,” Kimmich said. He further added that scoring a goal, an event that naturally draws attention to the player, forces him to confront his loss more directly. “Ansonsten mache ich ja eh nicht so viele Tore. Nach dem Tor musste ich natürlich sofort dran denken. Deswegen war es emotionaler als sonst auf jeden Fall,” he said.
Return to Play and the Road Ahead
Kimmich’s absence from the squad was a direct result of the family tragedy. He was granted special leave by Bayern and missed three matches: a Champions League draw against Arsenal, a Bundesliga win at SC Freiburg, and a DFB-Pokal victory over SC Magdeburg. He made his return to the starting lineup in the high-profile 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund last weekend, a match in which he also spoke openly about his grief.
“Mein Vater hat mich immer begleitet, stand immer an meiner Seite, hat mich immer unterstützt. Er hat in Phasen an mich geglaubt, in denen ich selbst nicht an mich geglaubt habe. Deswegen ist es hart, zurückzukommen,” Kimmich shared with SPORT1 after the Dortmund game. “That’s why it’s hard to come back.” He has since resumed his duties with the German national team, traveling with the squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Serbia in Belgrad on November 13 and against the Netherlands in Berlin on November 16.
Kimmich's Journey Back to the Field
The Bavarian club has provided a supportive environment for Kimmich during this difficult period. The TZ reported that even as he left the team huddle after his goal, “die emotionale Anspannung war Kimmich anzusehen,” but “der Rückhalt innerhalb der Truppe gab ihm sichtlich Kraft.” This backing from his colleagues and the club has been a crucial part of his journey back to the field.
Kimmich has also reflected on the challenge of moving forward while grieving. “Die letzte Woche war schon sehr hart für meine Familie und für mich,” he said in comments relayed by Sport Bild. “Es war wichtig, wieder zurückzukommen, wieder zu versuchen, in den normalen Alltag zu kommen. Auch wenn man sich manchmal wünscht, dass so die Welt ein bisschen stehenbleibt. Aber sie dreht sich leider – und zum Glück – weiter.”
Kimmich's Goal Dedication to His Father
- When did Joshua Kimmich’s father pass away?
- Kimmich’s father, Berthold, passed away in late October 2026, leading to his son’s absence from three matches.
- Which matches did Kimmich miss due to his father’s death?
- He missed the Champions League match against Arsenal and Bundesliga games against SC Freiburg and SC Magdeburg.
- What was significant about Kimmich’s goal against Mainz 05?
- It was his first goal since his father’s death and was immediately dedicated to him, making it a deeply personal and emotional moment.
- When is Kimmich’s next match with the national team?
- He is set to play for Germany in the UEFA Nations League against Serbia on November 13 and the Netherlands on November 16.
