Nadiem Amiri returns to Germany's national football team

Nadiem Amiri has made a surprising return to Germany's national football team after nearly five years. The Mainz midfielder is the son of Afghan parents. His last appearance for Germany was in November 2020, and he had to contact former coach Joachim Löw because Löw didn't have his number. This time, current coach Julian Nagelsmann easily reached out to him, and Amiri was emotional during the call. His return comes after several player injuries, but Amiri’s strong performance earned him a spot on the team. He joins his Mainz teammate Jonathan Burkardt, making it the first time in 15 years that two players from Mainz have been included in the national squad. Amiri's journey is inspiring. His parents fled Afghanistan in the 1980s and settled in Germany. They worked hard to provide a better life for their children. Amiri played football as a child, driven by his parents' sacrifices. He started his professional career at Hoffenheim under Nagelsmann, eventually making his debut for Germany in 2019. Fans in Afghanistan have shown support for Amiri, celebrating his achievements. He remains connected to his heritage and has been involved in helping refugees in Germany, reflecting on his family's past. He believes in supporting people facing similar challenges as his parents did. However, Amiri’s career faced difficulties following incidents of racial abuse in 2021. His career stagnated after unsuccessful loans and transfers. A move to Mainz in 2024 revived his football journey, bringing him closer to home. He has excelled at the club, helping them avoid relegation and pushing for a high league finish. Amiri, now 28, is excited to find joy in football again and believes players can have non-linear careers. As Germany prepares for its upcoming World Cup campaign, Amiri hopes to prove himself a valuable member of the team. His story showcases the importance of embracing diversity in sports.