Kimmich Discusses Player Roles Amid World Cup Bid

Joshua Kimmich, the new captain of the German national football team, has stated that while players should embody core values as role models, they are not political experts. His remarks come as Saudi Arabia's bid for the 2034 World Cup faces scrutiny due to human rights concerns. Kimmich reflected on the political stance taken by Germany during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, noting that it detracted from the team's focus and enjoyment of the event. He emphasized that players should express values but also acknowledged their limitations in political discourse. Kimmich’s comments highlight the tension between sports and politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming World Cup vote, where human rights issues remain a significant concern. He hopes future players can focus on football rather than off-field controversies.