Kimmich nears 100th cap for Germany

by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Preparing for his 100th appearance with the German national team this Wednesday against Portugal, Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich is reflecting on his journey in football.

Ahead of the UEFA Nations League semifinal, the 30-year-old is set to face one of the sport's all-time greats, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kimmich was just eight years old when the Portuguese legend made his international debut in August 2003, and nine when Ronaldo competed in his first major tournament, the 2004 UEFA European Championship.

"Going into my 100th game is special, but it feels like I'm still far away from what he's accomplished over the past 20 years," said Kimmich, a 2020 treble winner with Bayern.

The German international praised Ronaldo as "someone I watched as a boy, and he's still competing at a very high level."

Ronaldo, 40, has amassed 220 caps and 136 goals for Portugal-figures Kimmich described as "incredible" as he reflected on his own career and the so-called "title-less generation" of German players.

"We have the chance to win a smaller title with the Nations League," said Kimmich, with one year remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His only international title so far is Germany's 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup victory. He emphasized his desire to add a major trophy soon.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann will be without several key players in the semifinal, including Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz. But Kimmich said the Nations League title is meaningful for "us, because we can prove we can beat big nations."

He stressed that the tournament has implications beyond 2025. "The World Cup preparation doesn't start in a few months-it starts now," Kimmich said, noting that winning a major title remains a constant goal.

Kimmich, who has played at a world-class level as both a fullback and midfielder-according to German legend Lothar Matthaus-has endured highs and lows in the national team shirt, including early World Cup exits in 2018 and 2022.

Now, with Nagelsmann's generational overhaul, Germany is reemerging as a contender. The team is revitalized by young talent, but still light on experience. "There aren't 15 players who have already won a lot," Kimmich said.

For him, facing Ronaldo marks more than just a personal milestone-it's a symbol of a new chapter. "Everyone's determination to win some silverware is tangible. Everyone is joining the team trying to prove their class."

Kimmich also spoke of a new atmosphere and a stronger winning mentality-qualities Ronaldo has embodied for two decades. The Portuguese forward's record continues to inspire Kimmich and his teammates to pursue long-overdue international success. Enditem