10 fun facts about Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich is a highly regarded professional football player known for his adaptability, technical prowess, and tactical acumen. Born on February 8, 1995, in Rottweil, Germany, Kimmich has solidified his position as one of the finest midfielders in the global football arena. Commencing his youth career at VfB Bosingen, he later joined the esteemed youth academy of VfB Stuttgart.

In 2013, Kimmich inked a contract with RB Leipzig, where he made his debut as a professional player in the 2. Bundesliga. His remarkable performances caught the attention of Bayern Munich, leading him to join the German powerhouse in the summer of 2015.

At Bayern Munich, Kimmich swiftly made a name for himself with his exceptional work ethic, technical finesse, and versatility. Initially deployed as a right-back, he gradually transitioned into a central midfield role. Kimmich’s ability to anticipate the game and deliver precise passes has drawn comparisons to former Bayern captain Philipp Lahm.

Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous domestic and international titles. With Bayern Munich, he has secured multiple Bundesliga titles, DFB-Pokal trophies, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League. Moreover, his contribution was pivotal in Germany’s triumph at the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Individually, Kimmich has garnered several accolades, including his inclusion in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season and the FIFPro World XI. Furthermore, he has been nominated for both the FIFA FIFPro World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year. Additionally, he has been honored as the German Footballer of the Year. Here are some fan facts about him.

1. Played with Gnabry and Werner at the start of his career

Kimmich had the privilege of being a member of VfB Stuttgart’s prestigious academy, where he dedicated a significant portion of his early career. During his time at Stuttgart, he had the opportunity to play alongside his future national team comrades Timo Werner and Serge Gnabry.

Although he didn’t have the chance to reunite with Werner at RB Leipzig, as the striker joined the club a year after Kimmich’s departure, he did cross paths with Gnabry once again at Bayern Munich when the former Arsenal winger joined the team in 2018.

2. Was “not good enough” for Stuttgart

During his early years at Stuttgart, he climbed the ranks of the academy, but the senior staff doubted his abilities and didn’t even consider him for the club’s reserves team. Kimmich recalled in an interview, “‘You’re not up to par, your physique isn’t strong enough,’ the coaches told me, insisting that I needed another year with the youth team.”

However, instead of letting their criticism discourage him, he used it as fuel to prove himself elsewhere. Interestingly, the coach who scouted him for VfB Stuttgart coincidentally moved to RB Leipzig, wasting no time in securing Kimmich’s signature. The rest, as they say, is history.

3. He was picked by Pep Guardiola

Despite the lack of recognition from the coaches at VfB Stuttgart, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Bayern Munich in 2015, was able to identify the potential of Kimmich. During Kimmich’s debut season in 2. Bundesliga, Guardiola met with the midfielder and successfully persuaded him to join Bayern Munich. Although Guardiola later departed for Manchester City in 2016, his impact on the player continues to be significant.

4. He has won every season of the Bundesliga

Ever since his first appearance in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich in the 2015-16 season, Kimmich has achieved an impressive feat by clinching the league title in all eight seasons he has played so far. This remarkable accomplishment has solidified his status as a legendary figure in German football, all at the young age of 28.

The closest Kimmich came to breaking his league streak was during the 2022-23 season, when Bayern Munich faced a tough challenge from their rivals, Borrusia Dortmund, for the title. However, thanks to a last-minute winning goal from midfielder Jamal Musiala against FC Koln on the final matchday, Kimmich’s streak remained intact..

5. Kimmich is a jack of all trades

Kimmich has proven himself to be one of the top defensive-midfielders in the current football landscape. However, his exceptional abilities extend beyond this role. He has showcased his brilliance as a right-back for Germany and as a centre-back under the guidance of Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

The versatility displayed by Kimmich has garnered admiration from both Guardiola and AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho. Guardiola, in particular, holds the belief that Kimmich was among the finest centre-backs globally during his time in that position.

6. He has never been given a red card for Bayern Munich

Throughout his career with Bayern Munich, Kimmich has showcased his versatility by playing in various defensive positions. Despite his highly intense style of play, it’s remarkable that he has never received a red card. The only occasion where he was shown the way to the dressing room was during his time with VfB Stuttgart’s U19 team.

7. He broke Beckenbauer’s record

Kimmich’s accomplishments extend beyond his success with Bayern Munich, as he has also left a lasting impression on the German national team. In a remarkable display of consistency, the midfielder surpassed the legendary Franz Beckenbauer’s record for the most consecutive appearances for Germany in 2017.

From June 2016 to October 2017, Kimmich showcased his unwavering dedication by making an impressive 24 consecutive appearances, solidifying his place in football history and surpassing Beckenbauer’s remarkable feat.

8. He has been compared to Lahm and Gundogan

Kimmich stands tall among the exceptional midfielders that Germany has nurtured, drawing comparisons to some of the nation’s football legends. Two iconic figures, former Bayern Munich captain Phillip Lahm and Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, have been frequently mentioned in the same breath as Kimmich.

9. He idolises Xabi Alonso and Xavi

Drawing comparisons to Lahm and Gundogan, the talented midfielder from Bayern Munich finds inspiration in Spanish icons Xavi and Xabi Alonso. Kimmich openly admits that he has shaped his style of play after Xavi, striving to emulate the Barcelona legend’s brilliance on the field.

10. Has won the German Player of the Year twice

Kimmich’s exceptional performances in 2017 and 2021 earned him the prestigious title of German Player of the Year in both those remarkable years. Back in 2017, he played a crucial role in Germany’s triumph at the Confederations Cup. Fast forward to 2021, he had an incredible year with Bayern Munich, clinching four glorious trophies.