“I get goosebumps when I think about it.” – Niclas Füllkrug on his nomination to the German national team for EURO 2024

Two years ago, Niclas Füllkrug was playing 2. Bundesliga football for Werder Bremen. Now, the 31-year-old is just over two weeks away from the Champions League final and has just been nominated to the German national team for EURO 2024 by Julian Nagelsmann.

In what has been a whirlwind 24 months for Füllkrug, the Borussia Dortmund striker has become a key figure for the German national team. In 15 appearances for Germany, Füllkrug has registered an impressive eleven goals, including scoring at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, despite leading the line for BvB on a regular basis in the Bundesliga and Europe, the 31-year-old does not allow himself to become complacent. Füllkrug works significantly hard every week, and this is reflected in his performances for Die Schwarzgelben this season.

The former Bremen striker has scored 12 goals and collected eight assists in another phenomenal personal season. This has, therefore, ensured that, alongside fellow Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck, Füllkrug earned his sport at EURO 2024.

It was revealed on WDR’s 1live radio show that Nagelsmann has elected to include Füllkrug in his squad on Tuesday morning, leading to the Dortmund striker commenting on his appreciation:

“I get goosebumps when I think about it. It makes me so proud.”

Regardless, Füllkrug revealed later that he had an inkling that he would be nominated for the German national team after a discussion with Nagelsmann:

“We talked in private for a long time at the last course. If he’s having these conversations and you’re not on the fence, you should understand that he’s planning on you.”

For Füllkrug, the future is now clear: win the Champions League and EURO 2024. Nevertheless, even if the 31-year-old does end his campaign trophyless, his journey to the top has been one he may never have expected.

GGFN | Will Shopland