Former footballer Dietmar Hamann believes that Joshua Kimmich should retire from international football following Germany’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. The four-time world champions were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to Paraguay.
After the tournament, Kimmich made it clear that he did not intend to step away from the national team, comparing the idea of retirement to “running away.”
“He has already played in five major tournaments in a key role. And he has failed five times,” Hamann said about Kimmich. “He has never progressed beyond the quarterfinals, yet he stands there and says he’s not going to run away. This isn’t about running away; it’s about taking responsibility. From a player like him, I expect accountability and acknowledgment: ‘I’ve tried everything, it didn’t work out, so I’m stepping down.’”
According to Hamann, a voluntary departure would send a powerful message from the German captain.
“I would highly respect that,” he added. “I would like to see it happen. It would be a statement, and the situation needs to change. It cannot continue like this.
If he doesn’t leave, I wouldn’t call him up again at all. Other players need to be given a chance. I believe Kimmich should no longer play any role in the national team.”
Hamann went further, stating that he does not consider the Bayern Munich midfielder a “world-class” player.
“I don’t see Kimmich as a world-class player. He’s a very good player. But he’s not world-class in central midfield. Maybe he’s world-class as a right-back? No, he’s just good there as well.
The German players in Munich are merely passengers. The victories in matches are secured by Olise, Diaz, and Kane. Pavlovic, Tha, and Kimmich simply support them. It was a very good season. They play better than most others. But the outcomes of games are decided by other Bayern players.”
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