Nigeria Football Federation target Noah Atubolu has made history by breaking Manuel Neuer’s record for the most appearances for Germany’s U21 team. The SC Freiburg goalkeeper achieved the feat during Germany’s 3-2 semifinal victory over the Netherlands at the ongoing 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship.
Atubolu’s 21st cap for Germany’s U21 team surpassed Neuer’s record of 20, cementing his position as one of the standout performers for the German youth team. Having previously represented Germany at U17, U19, and U20 levels, Atubolu made his U21 debut in March 2022, keeping a clean sheet in a 4-0 European Championship qualifier win over Latvia.
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Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is expected to assess Atubolu up close on Saturday evening when Germany takes on Ethan Nwaneri’s England in the U21 Euro final. Notably, Nagelsmann’s goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg has previously worked with Atubolu at Freiburg, giving the young goalkeeper an edge in terms of familiarity with the coaching staff
Noah Atubolu
Although Atubolu remains on the radar of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, the goalkeeper has indicated that his international future currently lies with Germany. Atubolu’s impressive performances for Freiburg and Germany’s U21 team have earned him recognition, and he will look to add to his success by helping Germany win the U21 Euro title.
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The Freiburg-born goalkeeper enjoyed a strong 2024–25 Bundesliga campaign, keeping ten clean sheets in 26 league matches and playing a key role in helping the club secure qualification for the Europa League. With his record-breaking achievement and impressive form, Atubolu will be looking to make a lasting impression on Nagelsmann and the German national team.
Noah Atubolu is one of the numerous talented stars of Nigerian origin scattered all over the world, especially in Europe. Most of whom have featured for other countries in age grade competitions. Nigeria Football Federation need to start scouting for talents and make Playing for the national team attractive. We need to start rubbing shoulder with the very best in the world.
