Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the Barcelona captain and renowned goalkeeper, has finally achieved a long-held dream: becoming Germany’s starting goalkeeper. After 12 years of waiting in the wings behind the legendary Manuel Neuer, Ter Stegen has been officially named as Germany’s number one, a decision announced by coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Ter Stegen, who made his debut for the German national team in 2012, expressed his immense relief and joy at the appointment, describing it as a ‘balm for the soul.’ The 32-year-old, who has a decorated club career with Barcelona, including a Champions League title and multiple La Liga and Spanish Cup wins, has long been considered a top goalkeeper. However, Neuer’s presence in the German goal had prevented him from truly establishing himself as the first-choice option.
With Neuer’s retirement from international football in August, the door opened for Ter Stegen. He will now lead the German defense against Hungary in Duesseldorf on Saturday, marking the beginning of his era as Germany’s starting goalkeeper. Ter Stegen acknowledges the frustrations he faced throughout the years, but he insists he dealt with them professionally. He now looks forward to this new challenge and is determined to succeed in this pivotal role.
‘I’m glad the wait is over,’ Ter Stegen said. ‘I’m looking forward to this new task and to what I have ahead of me. I want to be successful.’
