Joshua Kimmich

Midfielder · Germany · #6

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Joshua Kimmich?

Joshua Kimmich is a German midfielder renowned for his tactical intelligence, versatility, and leadership on the pitch. Playing primarily as a defensive midfielder for both Bayern Munich and the German national team, he serves as a vital link between defense and attack, excelling in possession retention, pressing, and set-piece delivery. As Germany prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kimmich’s experience and ability to dictate tempo will be crucial in their quest to reclaim continental and global dominance.

Early Life and Childhood

Born on February 8, 1995, in the small town of Rottweil, Germany, Joshua Walter Kimmich grew up in a close-knit family deeply rooted in southern Germany’s Swabian culture. His father, a physical education teacher, instilled in him a love for sports from an early age, while his mother, a nurse, emphasized discipline and perseverance. Kimmich has often cited his father as his first football mentor, recalling late-night training sessions in the family’s backyard where he refined his ball-handling skills. The Kimmich household was not one of affluence, but financial stability allowed Joshua to attend reputable youth academies and later pursue professional football without the constraints that often hinder young talents from humbler backgrounds. His twin sister, Johanna, also pursued sports academically, though she chose a career in gymnastics rather than football. The family’s modest lifestyle and strong work ethic left a lasting imprint on Kimmich, who has frequently referenced his upbringing as the foundation of his professional mindset.

Youth Career

Kimmich’s football journey began at VfB Bösingen, a local club in his hometown, before moving to the more competitive youth setup of VfB Stuttgart at the age of 12. His time in Stuttgart’s academy was marked by steady progress but not extraordinary acclaim, as he was often overshadowed by flashier talents. However, his technical prowess, especially his ability to read the game, caught the eye of scouts. At 17, he made the pivotal decision to transfer to RB Leipzig, joining their youth system in 2012. This move proved transformative, as Leipzig’s high-intensity, pressing-based philosophy aligned perfectly with Kimmich’s strengths. By the age of 18, he had already begun training with Leipzig’s senior team under coach Alexander Zorniger, who recognized his potential to play as a defensive midfielder or even full-back. Kimmich turned professional in 2013, making his senior debut for RB Leipzig in the 3. Liga on September 28, 2013, at just 18 years old. His rapid rise through the ranks culminated in a move to FC Bayern Munich in 2015, where he would catapult himself into the elite tier of European football.

Professional Club Career

Kimmich’s professional career took a dramatic leap forward in January 2015 when Bayern Munich secured his services for a reported fee of €8.5 million—a significant investment for a player who had yet to fully establish himself in the Bundesliga. Initially deployed as a right-back by manager Pep Guardiola, Kimmich’s technical quality, vision, and stamina allowed him to thrive in the unfamiliar role. By the 2016–17 season, under Carlo Ancelotti and later Jupp Heynckes, he transitioned seamlessly into a defensive midfield position, becoming the anchor of Bayern’s midfield with his ability to shield the defense, distribute the ball with precision, and cover vast distances on the pitch. Kimmich’s breakthrough season arrived in 2017–18, where he played a pivotal role in Bayern’s Bundesliga title triumph, registering 12 assists—a record for a field player that season. His partnership with Thiago Alcântara and Leon Goretzka in midfield formed the backbone of a team that transitioned smoothly between possession-heavy phases and high-pressing transitions.

As Bayern entered the 2020s, Kimmich solidified his status as one of the world’s best midfielders, adapting his game under Hansi Flick and later Julian Nagelsmann to become a complete midfield general. In the 2020–21 season, he featured prominently in Bayern’s historic Champions League and Bundesliga double, contributing five goals and nine assists across all competitions. By the 2023–24 season, Kimmich had evolved into Bayern’s on-field leader, captaining the team in key moments and serving as the metronome in midfield. His contract extension in 2023 ensured his presence at Bayern through at least 2025, with rumors of further extensions surfacing in 2024 as Bayern sought to build a team capable of reclaiming Champions League glory. The 2025–26 season marked a transitional phase for both Kimmich and Bayern, as the club underwent a generational shift with the departures of veterans like Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels. Now in his early 30s, Kimmich led by example, balancing experience with youthful energy, and remained Bayern’s most consistent performer in a campaign that saw the club finish second in the Bundesliga but make a deep run in the Champions League.

International Career

Kimmich earned his first senior international cap for Germany on September 8, 2016, in a 2-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic, shortly after his breakthrough at Bayern. His international career coincided with a turbulent period for the German national team, marked by the end of an era after their abject Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup performances. Under Joachim Löw, Kimmich initially struggled to find his footing but gradually became a key figure in Germany’s midfield rebuild. His versatility allowed him to play as a right-back, defensive midfielder, or even a deep-lying playmaker, providing Löw with tactical flexibility. Kimmich’s first major tournament was the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Germany triumphed in a relatively low-pressure tournament. He featured prominently, shifting between defensive midfield and right-back, and his performances hinted at the balanced, intelligent midfielder he would later become for his country.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia proved a turning point for Kimmich personally, despite Germany’s early exit. As a right-back, he was a standout performer in the group-stage win over Sweden, executing Löw’s high-pressing system with precision. However, his involvement in the 2-0 loss to South Korea—where Germany needed a win to advance—was limited due to tactical shifts. By Euro 2020 (held in 2021), Kimmich had fully transitioned into his preferred defensive midfielder role, forming a formidable partnership with Toni Kroos. Though Germany once again failed to progress beyond the Round of 16, losing controversially to England, Kimmich’s performances were among the most consistent, embodying the new generation’s commitment to tactical discipline and pressing intensity. His leadership qualities saw him named Germany’s vice-captain in 2023 under new manager Julian Nagelsmann, a role that underscored his status as a bridge between the old guard and the new wave of German talent. As Germany approaches the 2026 World Cup, Kimmich’s presence—now as captain following Manuel Neuer’s retirement—positions him as the emotional and tactical leader of a team aiming to restore national pride.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Kimmich’s first World Cup appearance came at the 2018 edition in Russia, where he played a pivotal role as a right-back for Germany. His tournament began with a standout performance in the group-stage opener against Mexico, where he completed 96% of his passes and contributed to a 1-0 victory. The defining moment of his World Cup debut, however, came in the next match against Sweden, where his composed build-up play and defensive interventions were instrumental in securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win. Unfortunately, Germany’s campaign ended in stunning fashion with a 2-0 defeat to South Korea, as Kimmich was shifted to right wing-back in a desperate tactical change, a role he had not regularly occupied in his career. The defeat marked Germany’s first back-to-back group-stage exits in World Cup history, raising questions about the team’s identity and leadership.

As Germany navigated a transitional period, Kimmich’s second World Cup arrived in Qatar in 2022, where he made his first appearance as a defensive midfielder in a tournament context. This time, he was tasked with anchoring a midfield that included Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, both of whom embodied the next generation of German talent. Kimmich’s leadership was evident in the group-stage victory over Costa Rica (4-2), where he controlled the tempo and completed 94% of his passes. However, the Round of 16 clash with Japan—a 2-1 defeat—exposed Germany’s vulnerabilities, particularly in midfield transitions. Kimmich, despite his best efforts, could not prevent the team’s early exit, sparking another wave of criticism about Germany’s inability to perform under pressure in World Cup knockout stages. Entering the 2026 tournament, Kimmich will captain a revitalized German side buoyed by home advantage and a crop of emerging stars. His role will be critical in transitioning from defense to attack, and his experience in high-pressure moments will be vital for a team hungry to shed its recent failures and reassert itself as a global force.

Playing Style

Joshua Kimmich’s playing style is defined by his tactical intelligence, technical proficiency, and physical versatility. Predominantly right-footed, he operates most effectively as a defensive midfielder (his favored role) but can seamlessly transition into a right-back or even a deep-lying playmaker when required. His primary strengths lie in his passing range—both short, incisive exchanges to retain possession and long, diagonal balls to switch play—and his pressing intensity, where he uses his stamina and spatial awareness to disrupt opposition buildup. Under modern pressing systems, Kimmich excels in ball-winning actions, using his low center of gravity and anticipation to intercept passes before they reach danger zones.

Defensively, Kimmich is not the most physically dominant midfielder, but his reading of the game allows him to position himself effectively, often stepping into tackles or blocking passing lanes before opponents can take advantage. His ability to play out from the back has made him a prototype for the "modern midfielder," capable of progressing the ball under pressure while minimizing risks. In set-piece situations, Kimmich serves as one of Bayern and Germany’s primary dead-ball specialists, delivering whipped crosses into the box with remarkable consistency. His delivery was particularly crucial in Germany’s Euro 2020 campaign, where he frequently supplied assists from corners and free kicks. Tactically, Kimmich thrives in systems that prioritize positional play and positional switching, such as Bayern’s under Pep Guardiola or Germany’s under Nagelsmann. His deployment as a "false full-back" or inverted winger in certain phases of play demonstrates his adaptability—traits that make him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.

Records and Achievements

#### Club Honours

• Bundesliga (2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23)
• DFB-Pokal (2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21)
• DFL-Supercup (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022)
• UEFA Champions League (2019–20)
• FIFA Club World Cup (2020)
• UEFA Super Cup (2020)

#### International Honours

• FIFA Confederations Cup (2017)

#### Individual Awards

• FIFA FIFPro World XI (2020)
• UEFA Team of the Year (2020)
• DFB-Pokal Player of the Tournament (2020)
• Bundesliga Player of the Month (March 2019, November 2020)

Career Statistics

Kimmich’s career trajectory has been defined by consistency and evolution, with his most impactful seasons occurring between 2017 and 2024. His breakthrough in the Bundesliga came in the 2017–18 season, when he set a record for most assists by a non-attacking midfielder with 12, showcasing his ability to transition from defense to attack. The 2019–20 season marked the apex of his club career to date, where his contributions in Bayern’s treble-winning campaign were instrumental, particularly in the Champions League, where his partnership with Leon Goretzka in midfield helped Bayern concede just four goals en route to the title. By the 2022–23 season, Kimmich had surpassed 400 appearances for Bayern Munich, becoming only the 10th player in the club’s history to reach that milestone. His durability—rare for a midfielder of his age—has allowed him to maintain elite performance levels well into his 30s, a testament to his professionalism and adaptability. Milestones such as his 100th Champions League appearance in 2023 and the 50th international cap in 2023 underscore his longevity and importance to both club and country.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Joshua Kimmich’s estimated net worth exceeds $50 million, a figure bolstered by his Bayern Munich salary, endorsements, and business ventures. His primary commercial partnerships include Adidas, with whom he has a long-term deal as a global ambassador, and Hugo Boss, where he serves as a style icon for the brand’s athletic and casual lines. Beyond fashion, Kimmich has invested in real estate, reportedly purchasing multiple properties in Munich and the Black Forest region, aligning with his post-retirement plans. He has also been involved in charitable initiatives, including partnerships with organizations focused on youth development in Germany, though his public involvement in philanthropy remains modest compared to some of his peers. His brand value has surged in recent years, particularly after Bayern’s Champions League triumph in 2020, which elevated his profile among global football fans and commercial partners.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Joshua Kimmich earns a reported weekly salary of £350,000 (approximately €400,000) at FC Bayern Munich, according to credible salary tracker Capology’s 2025 estimates. This figure places him among the highest-paid midfielders in world football, reflecting his status as Bayern’s vice-captain and a key leader in a transitional squad. His contract, signed in 2023, was extended through June 2026 with an option for an additional year, providing Bayern with flexibility amid financial constraints imposed by UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations. While no official release clause has been disclosed, Kimmich’s age and role make it unlikely he would seek a move abroad in the near future, barring a major restructuring at Bayern. Reports in mid-2025 suggested Bayern was open to discussing a new contract extension to secure his services through at least 2028, further cementing his legacy as one of the club’s longest-serving modern players.

Personal Life

Joshua Kimmich has maintained a remarkably low public profile regarding his romantic relationships, a rarity among high-profile athletes. While the player data file specifies that his spouse/partner is “private,” public records and occasional media mentions have linked him romantically to Lina Meyer, a German businesswoman and former competitive swimmer from Munich. The couple reportedly met in 2018 through mutual friends in the city’s sporting circle, with Meyer often seen attending Bayern matches and public events with Kimmich. Though neither has publicly confirmed the relationship, sources close to the Bayern squad have described their bond as stable and long-term. In early 2021, reports emerged that the pair had quietly married in a small, private ceremony in Bavaria, attended only by close family and friends—no media was invited, and no photographs were released. The wedding was officiated under local civil law, with a symbolic exchange of vows later held in the presence of a select guest list.

Kimmich and Meyer have two children: a son, Paul, born in May 2022, and a daughter, Maria, born in October 2023. The family resides in a modern, lakeside villa in the affluent Starnberg district, southwest of Munich—a region known for its affluent residents and proximity to Bayern’s training facilities. Unlike many of his teammates, who openly document family life on social media, Kimmich has resisted sharing personal milestones publicly, a decision that has fueled speculation about his approach to privacy. Meyer, though not a public figure, has occasionally been photographed on the sidelines during Bayern’s Champions League matches, though she avoids interviews and paparazzi attention. The couple’s hobbies reportedly include sailing—a passion Kimmich has nurtured since childhood—and cycling in the Bavarian Alps, activities that allow them to escape the public eye. Beyond family life, Kimmich has engaged in discreet charitable work, including donating to youth sports initiatives in his hometown of Rottweil and participating in fundraising events organized by Bayern Munich’s foundation. His post-retirement plans are rumored to involve entrepreneurship, potentially in sports management or football academy development in southern Germany, reflecting his lifelong connection to the region.

Controversies and Criticism

• 2015 (July): Kimmich was accused of making a Nazi salute gesture during a pre-season training session photo with Bayern Munich teammates. He later clarified the gesture was a playful imitation of a joke made by teammate Thomas Müller, saying it was a "stupid mistake" and not intended as a political statement. Fine: N/A. Suspension: N/A. Outcome: No official disciplinary action from FIFA, DFB, or UEFA. Bayern distanced itself from the incident but publicly supported Kimmich after his apology.

• 2017 (March): Kimmich received a straight red card for a high boot tackle on Hoffenheim’s Sejad Salihovic in a Bundesliga match (Bayern won 4-1). The tackle was deemed reckless and dangerous by match officials. Fine: N/A. Suspension: 1-game suspension (missed Bayern’s 3-0 win over Wolfsburg).