Germany’s national football team may have left the Stade de Luxembourg with a routine 2-0 win, but the real buzz in the aftermath was all about Leroy Sané’s return to the starting lineup and his electrifying influence on the pitch. The November 15th World Cup qualifier was supposed to be a straightforward affair for Julian Nagelsmann’s men, yet the first half was anything but inspiring. Germany looked sluggish, and the score remained stubbornly locked at 0-0 heading into halftime. Fans and pundits alike were left wondering: would anyone step up to break the deadlock?
Enter Sané, the 29-year-old winger whose presence had been the subject of much debate in recent weeks. Having been left out of the squad for the September and October fixtures, Sané’s return was as much a talking point as the match itself. The pressure was on, but if there were any doubts about his readiness, Sané quickly put them to rest. Just four minutes after the break, he delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, setting up Nick Woltemade for the opener. It was a moment of technical brilliance that had coach Julian Nagelsmann beaming in the post-match press conference.
“He had two good moves that led to two goals,” Nagelsmann said, his satisfaction clear. “He did an outstanding job on the first goal. His first touch was excellent, controlling the ball like that and then immediately playing it into the box with his right foot. He did that very, very well and played a good game.”
Sané wasn’t finished. Twenty minutes later, he was again at the heart of the action. Driving down the right flank, he threaded a pass that allowed Ridle Baku to notch an assist, with Woltemade finishing off the move for his second goal of the night. The final scoreline read 2-0, but the story was Sané’s decisive contributions—a fact not lost on his teammates.
“It wasn’t the best game from a player’s perspective, but we got stuck in much better during the second half. Ultimately, I don’t care if it’s Nick Woltemade scoring three times or Leroy Sané twice,” said Woltemade, who’s fast becoming a key figure in Germany’s attack with three qualifying goals to his name. David Raum, Germany’s left back, was equally effusive: “When it comes to Leroy Sané, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. He possesses amazing qualities. On an individual level, he’s one of the best technical players that we have. He can help us out a lot and I’m happy for him.”
Sané, for his part, was quick to downplay the individual accolades and focus on the team’s collective mission. “I’m pleased that I could repay his [Nagelsmann’s] trust in me with an assist,” Sané said, referencing the sometimes tough-love relationship he shares with his coach. “Julian knows exactly how I tick and knows how to deal with me. He gives me plenty of respect, but also plenty of ‘tough love’ at times.”
It’s a dynamic that’s drawn attention from both inside and outside the squad. Nagelsmann has been candid about Sané’s role, emphasizing that the winger was brought back not as a last resort, but to make a difference. “He was not on probation,” Nagelsmann clarified. “He was there to decide the game. That’s what he did.” The coach’s faith was echoed by Jonathan Tah, who praised Sané’s hard work in training: “He works very hard, even in training – that’s the Leroy we need.”
Sané’s journey back into the fold has been anything but straightforward. After a summer move from Bayern Munich to Galatasaray Istanbul—a switch some critics saw as a step down in competition—Sané found himself under the microscope. His output in Turkey, three goals and three assists in 15 matches, was deemed by some as insufficient. Yet, with Germany’s attack depleted by injuries to Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst, and Niclas Füllkrug, Nagelsmann turned to Sané, and the decision paid off.
“If we had six or seven players to choose from for that position, it would have been much harder for him,” Nagelsmann admitted. “He knows that there aren’t countless chances left to prove himself at the national team level, at least under my leadership.”
Sané has taken that message to heart. “Julian and I have a very good connection. We speak openly and honestly with each other. We’ve talked a lot lately, and I know what I need to do. I’m glad I could pay back some of the trust,” he told ARD. The World Cup looms large in his ambitions: “That’s my goal, to be there. It’s always an honor to represent the country.”
The Luxembourg match also highlighted the rise of Nick Woltemade, who at just 23 has become a vital part of the German attack. With three goals in qualifying, he’s filled the gap left by injured forwards and is already dreaming of the World Cup. “It’s the biggest tournament in the world. Of course, it’s a dream for everyone to play there. That would be number one,” Woltemade said, reflecting on his whirlwind year that included a cup win with Stuttgart and a transfer to Newcastle United.
As Germany now prepares for a decisive showdown with Slovakia in Leipzig on November 18, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team’s performance in Luxembourg was a reminder that qualification is far from guaranteed. Slovakia, who defeated Germany 2-0 in the opening qualifier, will pose a much sterner test. The German camp is well aware that another lackluster first half won’t cut it. The pressure is on, and all eyes will again be on Sané and Woltemade to deliver when it counts most.
For now, though, the narrative is one of redemption and renewed hope. Sané’s return has injected much-needed flair and unpredictability into the German attack. His technical skills and willingness to shoulder responsibility have reignited belief within the squad and among supporters. As the countdown to the crucial Leipzig clash continues, Germany’s dreams of the 2026 World Cup remain alive—and with Sané in this kind of form, anything feels possible.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Germany’s journey is far from over. The next chapter unfolds in Leipzig, where heroes will be needed once again. Will Sané and Woltemade rise to the occasion? The answer awaits under the bright lights of the Red Bull Arena.
