David Raum has become part of the glue that holds Germany together

In partnership with

RB Leipzig

·30 de mayo de 2026

David Raum has become part of the glue that holds Germany together

Sunday’s friendly against Finland in Mainz (20:45 CEST) is more than just another step on Germany’s road to the 2026 World Cup. It is a chance to fine-tune the final details, build confidence – and see which players are ready to take responsibility. David Raum is one of them.

One thing is clear: our captain is now far more than just the dynamic left-back delivering crosses from out wide. With the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada about to get underway, David has become one of the defining figures in the national team – both on and off the pitch.

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Germany’s bridge-builder

Raumi’s leadership was already clear to see at Germany’s first World Cup camp in Herzogenaurach. A laugh and a chat with his teammates here, a pat on the shoulder and a quick exchange on the training pitch there. They are small gestures that can easily go unnoticed. But they say a lot about his role as the glue holding together different groups in the squad, from established stars to the younger generation.

His little bet with Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, with the pair set to get matching tattoos should they win the tournament, fits into that narrative too. What might initially seem like a humorous anecdote actually speaks to the special trust between coach and player. David also has a close bond with DFB-Team captain Joshua Kimmich, with the pair regularly getting stuck into fiercely contested crossword battles.

Going to the World Cup as a family

Nagelsmann wants a team that works not only tactically, but also comes together emotionally. David has a central role in that idea. “What has defined us since Julian came in is our team spirit and the dynamic within the group,” the 28-year-old explained at a DFB media session. “It feels like a little family whenever we come together.”

And David is one of the players who helps create and strengthen that spirit. He talks to people, eases tensions and makes his presence felt. He can also hold a group together when things get tough. In short, he leads by staying close to people.

Sparking World Cup excitement

After an excellent season with RB Leipzig and given the qualities he brings to the pitch, our captain looks set to be Germany’s first-choice left-back at the World Cup. Another major strength is the way he connects with those around him – teammates, staff and fans alike. Our number 22 wants to provide direction and help create the right atmosphere.

With convincing friendly performances against Finland and then the USA (6th June, 20:30 CEST), followed by a successful World Cup opener against Curaçao (14th June, 19:00 CEST), David hopes he and his Germany teammates can spark the same excitement that surrounded last summer’s home European Championship. He has a key role to play in that – and has already been igniting that spark over the past few days.

When the Germany squad arrived in Herzogenaurach on Wednesday, he took time for the young football fans waiting there. “Someone once said: ‘You never stop being a Germany player.’ It was no effort for me to stop briefly and give three or four kids autographs and take photos with them. It meant very little effort for me, but a lot to the boys,” he explained during the DFB media session.

One of those boys was even wearing a shirt with David’s name on it – a small detail that underlines his growing importance as a player fans can identify with. David is appreciated by supporters young and old, as well as by his teammates. He knows how important role models can be. By staying approachable, he wants to help the excitement around the team spread across the country again – from sofas at home to fan zones and big screens nationwide.

A leader for Germany

Ahead of the penultimate friendly against Finland and Germany’s final home game before flying to the USA, David’s role in the team is clearly defined. The driving force down the flank has also become a voice in the dressing room and in public.

Raum consistently provides defensive reliability and attacking drive. But our left-footed defender also stands for passion, energy and team spirit – qualities that define him at club level and should now help shape the national team too.

For Germany to have a successful World Cup, his contribution will need to go well beyond overlapping runs and assists. David is now more than a key player. He is a leader – shaped by his time with the Red Bulls and ready to take responsibility on the biggest stage in world football.