Nebel receives first senior Germany call-up

Paul Nebel has been named in the Germany senior national team for the first time. DFB-Team coach Julian Nagelsmann has included the Mainz academy product in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers away to Slovakia (Thursday 4th September, 20:45 CEST in Bratislava) and at home to Northern Ireland (Sunday 7th September, 20:45 CEST in Cologne). Nebel caught the eye with an outstanding 2024/25 Bundesliga season for Mainz 05 and further enhanced his reputation with a strong showing at the U21 EUROs in the summer. Together with teammate Nelson Weiper, he only narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy after a 3-2 extra-time defeat to England in the final.

Vice-captain Nadiem Amiri is also part of the squad, along with former 05ers goalkeeper Finn Dahmen – now at FC Augsburg – who has also been handed his maiden call-up for the upcoming international fixtures.

A growing list of Germany internationals

If Nagelsmann hands him his debut, Nebel would become the eighth Mainz player to represent Germany at senior level. The others are Manuel Friedrich, André Schürrle, Lewis Holtby, Nicolai Müller, Anton Stach, Jonny Burkardt and Amiri.

Reaction to Nebel’s call-up

Board member for sport Christian Heidel: “Paul Nebel joins the growing list of Mainz players called up to the Germany national team. That speaks volumes for Mainz 05, for the work in our academy, and for the performances of our team – but above all for Paul himself, who has developed in outstanding fashion. The whole of Mainz is proud that he is representing our city and our club in the Germany shirt, together with Nadiem Amiri, who has once again been selected.”

Paul Nebel: “It’s an incredibly special feeling. I thought back to being a little kid – I always dreamed of this moment. To be there is a huge honour. The coach sent me a voice message, I listened to it and was absolutely overjoyed with the nomination. It felt a bit surreal, but it was pure joy.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann: “Paul was one of the standout attacking players at the European U21 Championship. He also had a very good season with Mainz, with strong numbers. He delivers excellent crosses, has a good eye for goal and a real hunger about him. He’s a great addition to our training sessions, but he can also start matches. I really appreciate his fearlessness and his one-v-one qualities. He has earned the chance to show what he can do with the senior national team.”