Germany announces November 2025 squad: New era with El Mara debut and Sane’s return
On November 6, 2025, the German Football Association (DFB) officially announced the 25-player squad for the upcoming November fixtures in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The list features a mix of promising young talent and experienced veterans, highlighting coach Julian Nagelsmann’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and modernize the national team.
The most eye-catching inclusion is 19-year-old Said El Mara from 1. FC Köln, receiving his first-ever senior call-up. In addition, Leroy Sane returns to the squad for the first time since his summer transfer to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray. This marks a new chapter for Germany as youth and experience combine in a dynamic team evolution.
World Cup qualifying overview
Germany currently sits top of Group A in the European qualifiers and will play two key matches in November: an away game against Luxembourg on November 14, followed by a home clash with Slovakia on November 17. Both fixtures are crucial, especially the match against Slovakia, as both sides are level on points and battling for first place.
For Nagelsmann, these games serve a dual purpose: to secure qualification points and to test the integration of new talents such as El Mara within a competitive setting. The coach aims to balance experimentation with consistency, ensuring his team maintains rhythm while preparing for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Who is Said El Mara? Germany’s 19-year-old breakout star
Said El Mara, born in August 2006, is a 19-year-old winger who has rapidly risen through the ranks at 1. FC Köln. Standing at 187 cm, he combines technical flair with powerful acceleration, making him a constant threat down the flanks. In the 2025 Bundesliga season, El Mara has impressed with his fearless dribbling, precise crosses, and mature decision-making.
Nagelsmann praised the youngster, saying, “He’s young but plays with courage and composure. His ability to adapt quickly and create scoring chances brings fresh energy to our attack.” The coach’s comments highlight Germany’s shift toward trusting younger talents earlier, ensuring long-term squad renewal ahead of future tournaments.
El Mara’s journey symbolizes Germany’s broader youth revolution — an era where dynamic, confident players from Bundesliga academies are taking center stage in international football.
Leroy Sane returns after Galatasaray move
After moving from Bayern Munich to Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, Leroy Sane has found renewed motivation and form. His performances in both the Turkish Super Lig and UEFA Champions League have earned him a well-deserved recall to the national team — his first in five months.
With over 70 caps for Germany, Sane brings valuable experience and creativity to the squad. His pace, dribbling, and direct style of play remain crucial weapons, especially against compact defensive teams like Luxembourg and Slovakia. Nagelsmann commented, “It doesn’t matter where he plays — Sane’s quality and professionalism are undeniable. He inspires the team both on and off the pitch.”
In a squad brimming with young talent, Sane’s leadership and maturity will play a vital role in maintaining tactical balance and composure under pressure.
Injury updates and squad depth
Germany continues to deal with a string of injuries among key players. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger are all unavailable for selection due to fitness issues. Despite these absences, the team remains competitive thanks to its remarkable depth.
Young talents such as Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) and Kevin Schade (Brentford) continue to thrive, while experienced midfielders Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich provide stability. The defensive line sees the return of Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United) after a two-year hiatus, adding strength and composure to the backline.
Germany’s ability to adapt and integrate players across multiple European leagues is a testament to the nation’s robust footballing infrastructure and player development system.
Germany squad list (November 2025)
Goalkeepers:
Noah Atubolu (Freiburg), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)
Defenders:
Waldemar Anton (Dortmund), Ridle Baku (Leipzig), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Dortmund), Alexander Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), David Raum (Leipzig), Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United)
Midfielders / Forwards:
Karim Adeyemi (Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Jonathan Burkardt (Frankfurt), Said El Mara (Köln), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Kevin Schade (Brentford), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United)
Nagelsmann’s tactical evolution: Flexibility and youth integration
Julian Nagelsmann continues to refine Germany’s tactical approach, emphasizing flexibility, high pressing, and positional interchanges. Kimmich often shifts between right-back and defensive midfield roles depending on match dynamics, while the attacking line — led by Wirtz, Adeyemi, Sane, and El Mara — rotates fluidly to unbalance opposing defenses.
This dynamic, multi-positional system allows Germany to switch between a 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 mid-match without substitutions, maintaining both defensive solidity and offensive fluidity. The strategy reflects Nagelsmann’s trademark — tactical innovation supported by detailed preparation and adaptability.
The coach stated, “Experienced players guide the young ones, and that’s how unity is built. It’s not just about tactics but chemistry.” This philosophy underlines a cultural shift within the squad — a collaborative environment blending mentorship and ambition.
Match outlook: Luxembourg and Slovakia
Against Luxembourg, Nagelsmann is expected to rotate his squad, offering opportunities for emerging players like El Mara and Dahmen to gain valuable international minutes. It will be an ideal test for the younger generation to adapt to senior-level intensity.
The home fixture against Slovakia, however, carries far greater weight. With both teams level on points, victory would put Germany in full control of the group. Expect a strong starting XI featuring Wirtz, Goretzka, and Sane, as Nagelsmann aims to secure qualification momentum before year-end.
Both matches represent more than qualification battles — they are benchmarks of progress in Germany’s long-term revival project.
Germany’s new generation and the road ahead
Said El Mara’s debut marks a symbolic turning point for German football. His selection, alongside the return of seasoned stars like Sane, illustrates a deliberate balance between innovation and experience. The DFB’s renewed focus on youth integration ensures that Germany’s identity continues evolving with each generation.
Even amid injuries, the team’s cohesion and adaptability suggest a bright future. As Germany prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann’s side embodies resilience, renewal, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
The November qualifiers are more than just matches — they’re a statement of intent. Germany is not merely rebuilding; it’s redefining its footballing DNA for the modern era.
Keywords: Germany national team 2025, Julian Nagelsmann, Said El Mara debut, Leroy Sane Galatasaray, Germany World Cup qualifiers, German football youth, DFB squad list November 2025.
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