The last time Nadiem Amiri received a call to join the Germany squad, he had to contact former head coach Joachim Löw because Löw didn’t have his number. However, current head coach Julian Nagelsmann had no trouble reaching out to Amiri, who was visibly emotional during the call. It is rare for players to make a comeback in international football after years away, but Amiri has defied the odds. Almost five years have passed since his last appearance for Germany in November 2020, but Amiri has now returned to the team. Nagelsmann was forced to include Amiri due to a series of injuries, but Amiri’s performance warranted his inclusion regardless. Joining Amiri in the squad is his Mainze teammate, Jonathan Burkardt, marking the first time in 15 years that two players from Mainze have represented Germany (the previous pair being Andre Schürrle and Lewis Holtby). Amiri’s return represents the latest milestone in a story of inspiring migration and football success.
Amiri’s parents fled war-torn Afghanistan in the 1980s and settled in Ludwigshafen, Germany. They worked hard to provide a safe and prosperous life for their children. Amiri’s father had a truck business, while his mother worked in an old people’s home for 20 years. Amiri, born in 1996, grew up playing football on the streets of Ludwigshafen with his older brother. His parents made sacrifices to support his football dreams, driving him 60 kilometers between Ludwigshafen and Kaiserslautern where his football journey began. Amiri established himself at Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann, winning the U19 league title and becoming the youngest member of Germany’s U21 European championship winning team in 2017. His form led to a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, where he made his debut for Germany just three months later. The response from football fans in Afghanistan was mostly positive.
Despite facing challenges on his journey, Amiri has never lost sight of his roots. His cousin Zubayr, who could have been a Bundesliga player, chose to play for Afghanistan and keeps Amiri informed about the development of football in the country. Amiri actively participates in various refugee projects, including those organized by the Red Cross, to support individuals facing similar challenges as his parents. In 2021, Amiri visited a refugee center in Stuttgart and invited families to watch Germany’s World Cup qualifier at the stadium.
Although Amiri’s career looked promising after joining Bayer Leverkusen and the Germany team, football had other plans. In 2021, he reportedly suffered racial abuse during a Bundesliga match. Despite this, he continued to perform well and became part of Germany’s Olympic team in Tokyo. However, his career stagnated afterward due to unsuccessful loan moves to Genoa in Serie A and a failed transfer to Leeds, leaving him away from the football limelight. A surprise move to Mainz in January 2024 proved to be the turning point he needed. The return to a place closer to home saw Amiri become a pivotal player for the club, excelling in the deep-lying playmaker role. He played a crucial role in saving the club from relegation and helping them surge up the Bundesliga table this season.
Amiri’s comeback to the Germany squad showcases the unconventional path career paths, especially in elite sports, can take. It is about finding the right fit, regaining joy and confidence, and celebrating diversity. Amiri’s story serves as an inspiration and a testament to the value of embracing one’s roots and giving back to the community. With Germany’s World Cup journey in motion, Amiri will aim to secure a permanent spot in the squad, and his inclusion represents both his own unconventional path and the importance of diversity in Germany’s football.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nadiem-amiri-s-unconventional-return-to-germany-s-squad/a-71971700?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
