Former stars express concerns over lack of quality and lost German virtues in national football team
Category: Sports
Toni Kroos and Michael Ballack, two of Germany's football legends, have joined a growing chorus of critics following the national team's disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a discussion on his TikTok show "Kroos & Kroos: die WM unter der Lupe," Kroos lamented, "We currently have no world-class players," highlighting a stark reality for a team that once dominated international football.
Kroos, a World Cup winner in 2014, stated, "We have players with world-class potential, but that doesn’t mean they are world-class yet." He emphasized that true world-class players are the ones who make decisive impacts in matches, a category he believes the current squad lacks. "The world-class players are the ones who are on the goal-scoring list, and we don't have any of those; we need to be honest about this," he added.
Ballack, who captained Germany for several years, echoed Kroos's sentiments, expressing concern over the erosion of what he termed the "German virtues" that historically defined the national team. He noted, "Our virtues, which have always distinguished Germany, have somewhat been lost." According to Ballack, the team is struggling to handle difficult situations during matches. "We start well, have ten or twenty good minutes, perhaps even score a goal. But with the first setback, whether it’s conceding a goal or making a mistake, the whole structure collapses—then you wonder why that happens," he said.
Both players pointed fingers at the coaching staff and at the players themselves. Ballack stated, "The explanation doesn’t necessarily lead to the coach, but primarily to the players. A coach is incredibly important in such a setup, but the players also need to manage a lot themselves on the pitch—they must take self-responsibility." He emphasized the importance of players looking each other in the eye to understand whom they can rely on in tough moments.
The criticism from Kroos and Ballack comes in the aftermath of Germany's early exit from the World Cup, a tournament where expectations were high following a series of underwhelming performances in recent years. The team's failure to progress beyond the group stages has reignited discussions about the future direction of German football and the need for a cultural shift within the national team.
This situation is not isolated; Germany's footballing prowess has been in decline since their victory in the 2014 World Cup. The national team has struggled to replicate that success, facing challenges such as a lack of cohesion among players and an inability to adapt to the modern game. Critics argue that the team’s reliance on established players rather than nurturing new talent has contributed to its stagnation.
As the DFB (German Football Association) contemplates its next steps, the calls for a renewed focus on developing young talent and instilling the core values that once defined German football have become louder. The need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both player development and tactical evolution is evident.
The DFB is currently at a crossroads, with discussions about the future of head coach Julian Nagelsmann intensifying. Following the World Cup, there have been rumors about possible changes in coaching staff, with some advocating for a fresh approach to reinvigorate the team. As reported, Mats Hummels has publicly called for Nagelsmann's departure, indicating a growing sentiment among players and fans alike that a change may be necessary.
Looking ahead, Germany's footballing authorities must address the concerns raised by Kroos and Ballack. This includes fostering a culture of accountability among players and ensuring that the next generation of talent is prepared to step up when needed. The DFB's upcoming decisions will likely shape the direction of the national team in the years to come.
As the dust settles on the World Cup disappointment, the focus will shift to the European Championship qualifiers and beyond. The DFB has a chance to implement changes that could restore the team's former glory, but it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved in German football.
In the coming weeks, the DFB is expected to announce its plans for the future, including potential changes to the coaching staff and strategies for player development. The national team’s next competitive match is scheduled for March 2027, providing a timeline for the DFB to act on the feedback from its former stars.