Nadiem Amiri is back where he always dreamed to be - representing Germany on the international stage. After more than four years away from the national team, Amiri took to the field against Italy in the UEFA Nations League on March 21, 2025, to showcase his growth as a player and his determination to leave a mark on the football world.
Amiri, the offensive midfielder currently playing for FSV Mainz 05, couldn't hold back his emotions when reflecting on his return. "It was my dream for so long to play for the national team again. I have worked hard, trying to improve every day," he stated, acknowledging the journey that brought him back to this point. His national team career had stalled back in November 2020, just before the climax of Joachim Löw’s era as manager.
During his last matches, including a painful 0-6 loss against Spain in the Nations League, Amiri sat on the bench, waiting for an opportunity that seemed increasingly distant. However, the stars aligned as new coach Julian Nagelsmann reached out to him during a training session. "When I saw his name on my phone, I knew why he was calling and instantly called back," Amiri recalled, tears in his eyes as he accepted the news of his selection.
The road back to the national team wasn’t straightforward, especially as Amiri had only played five international matches to date, winning every single one of them. His absence from the Euro 2021 squad was notable, yet if anything, it fueled his determination to return. Now, as he stepped onto the pitch in Italy, even with some starting players missing, it was evident that Amiri had earned this call-up not merely as a stopgap but as a deserving key player.
Before his return to the national side, Amiri transitioned from Bayer Leverkusen to Mainz, a move he described as a necessary step for his career. "My mentality in football is that it’s about oneself. If I can’t contribute to the club, I can’t celebrate a championship like those who play often," he explained. This shift allowed him to reestablish himself, and under the guidance of new coach Bo Henriksen, he became a pivotal figure, even earning the role of captain.
Playing for Mainz has revitalized Amiri's career, transforming him into one of the Bundesliga’s most effective attacking midfielders. "He is a player who likes to take responsibility - he wanted that even as a young lad," recalled Markus Gisdol, Amiri’s former coach at TSG Hoffenheim. With Amiri taking the captain's armband, his confidence surged, adding another layer of motivation to his game.
Amiri's journey as a footballer is deeply rooted in his family's history. Born in 1996, Amiri's parents fled Afghanistan in the 1980s, settling in Ludwigshafen, Germany. His upbringing was colored by their struggles to create a safe life, allowing him to pursue his dreams. He played football with his older brother and received support from his family, who sacrificed much to ensure he could train for a professional career. His father ran a transport business, while his mother dedicated 20 years to an elderly care home, embedding within him the values of hard work and determination.
Throughout his career, Amiri remained connected to his Afghan heritage. His cousin Zubayr followed in their family's footsteps, representing Afghanistan in football, and Amiri himself has participated in numerous refugee outreach programs, including the Red Cross. In 2021, he spoke candidly about his ties to the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, expressing his desire to support recent refugees to Germany who faced challenges similar to those of his family decades ago.
Back in the present, as the DFB-Team faced Italy, Amiri had to adapt quickly to Nagelsmann's tactics, marking a significant shift from his previous experiences. "We played completely dominantly," he remarked after the match, which showcased their grit despite an early goal from their rivals. This performance not only solidified Amiri’s role within the team but also emphasized the chemistry developing under Nagelsmann's direction.
Amiri's remarkable resurgence stands as a compelling narrative within professional sports, highlighting that journeys are rarely linear. Finding the right environment and embracing change can lead to new opportunities. With his return to the DFB-Team, Nadiem Amiri exemplifies the notion that resilience and a strong sense of identity pave the way for success, both on and off the pitch.
