"Will take time to think": Jürgen Klopp's "huge talent" could decide against Germany

Paris Brunner was called up to the Germany Under-21 national team for the first time on Friday. A possible later career in the DFB senior side is by no means set in stone, however.

DR Congo are in the race for Brunner. Thanks to his Congolese roots, he is also eligible to play for the World Cup participants.

During a press conference, Congo coach Sebastien Desabre confirmed he had made contact with Brunner's family: "We went to his parents to talk. But we will not put him under pressure." He also suggested Brunner is finding the decision difficult: "He is just as attached to Congo as he is to Germany. He will take time to think, then we will see in November what comes of it."

Brunner won the Under-17 World Cup and European Championship with Germany. He finished as top scorer during the 2023 World Cup triumph and was named player of the tournament. After a strong start to the season at AS Monaco, he is in the 23-man squad for the final three qualifying matches on the road to Euro 2027.

After moving from Borussia Dortmund to Monaco in 2024, Brunner has already scored five competitive goals for the team second in France's Ligue 1 this season.

On Thursday, Germany coach Jürgen Klopp spoke during his squad announcement about the forward. "I haven't spoken to him, but of course we hear everything. I know Paris," said Klopp. DFB youth chief Hannes Wolf is "a major advocate" of Brunner. Klopp continued: "He has done extremely well on the pitch recently and he has been a huge talent for years.

When did Paris Brunner last play for the DFB?

The 20-year-old last wore the DFB shirt in November 2025, when he scored five goals in two matches for the Under-20s.

Next up for Germany's Under-21s are Latvia away on 26 September and Malta away on 30 September in the fight for a European Championship place, before they finish against Georgia in Bielefeld on 6 October. The DFB side top their qualifying group level on points with Greece, and three wins would seal first place thanks to a superior head-to-head record. If they finish as runners-up, they would probably have to go through the play-offs.