Matthäus‘ appeal to Nagelsmann: Lennart Karl must be in the DFB team | OneFootball

Lennart Karl is currently causing a stir at FC Bayern – and now Germany’s record international player is even calling for his immediate promotion to the senior national team.

On Sky, Lothar Matthäus made a clear recommendation to national coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Karl, who once again contributed a goal and an assist in the 6-2 win against SC Freiburg, is the big discovery of this Bayern season. The 17-year-old impresses with creativity, courage, dribbling and a maturity that is hard to find at his age. His performance also made a lasting impression on Matthäus.

„He has all the potential to become a great player in German soccer. He has the right environment at FC Bayern, is part of a functioning team and has already scored important points with his dribbling and his self-confidence – also in his interviews,“ praised the 64-year-old.

Matthäus on Karl: „We are always afraid…“

For Matthäus, one thing is certain: Karl belongs in the senior national team as soon as possible. The attacking player has already shone recently with the DFB youth team. He was sent to the U21s at the most recent training course, but immediately delivered there – three goals in two games under Antonio di Salvio.

„We’re always afraid to promote young players and that’s the problem in Germany. Let them go, let them go!“ said Matthäus. He continued: „There’s never too early a promotion and there’s never too early a national team. If I can achieve something, I have to go straight down that path.“

photo: IMAGO/Eibner

For the 1990 world champion, Karl is „a very big candidate“ for the 2026 World Cup. His special style of play makes him particularly valuable: „Because players like that, who have something special, are in demand at a tournament like this. These street footballers who don’t just allow themselves to be forced into a system, but also do what they smell and feel at that moment – and that’s Lennart Karl.“