The President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has praised the diversity of Germany's national football team as it competes in the World Cup. Speaking at an award ceremony at the newly opened German House of Soccer, Baerbock lauded the team as role models and highlighted the progress made in recent years.

At the event, former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Müller and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger received awards. Müller, Germany's most decorated player, now with Vancouver Whitecaps, was honored for shaping the international image of German football. Berger was recognized for her fighting spirit on the field.

Baerbock noted the team's current diversity, contrasting it with the past when Gerald Asamoah, born in Ghana, faced racist slurs and debates about what constitutes a 'true' German after his debut in 2001. She emphasized that the current squad, with 11 of 26 players having immigrant backgrounds, faced no such controversy.

However, some politicians from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have criticized the team's diversity, referring to it as a 'rainbow squad'. A survey before Euro 2024 found 21% of respondents wanted more white players, a view condemned by coach Julian Nagelsmann and captain Joshua Kimmich.

Baerbock stressed the importance of anti-racism campaigns, stating that a team reflects society. She said the World Cup team sends a message to young people that 'you can make it anywhere' and that football brings people together regardless of background.

The former German foreign minister expressed hope for the team's success, saying, 'We may not be the team most people bet on, but we have a wonderful team spirit. Sometimes it's more important to have the best team rather than the most famous superstar.'

Source: www.dw.com