Leroy Sané Returns as 19-Year-Old Said El Mala Earns First Call-Up in Germany’s 25-Man Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Germany head coach, Julian Nagelsmann has announced his 25-man squad for the November 2025 World Cup qualifying matches, featuring the return of winger Leroy Sané and the first-ever senior team call-up for 19-year-old striker Said El Mala.

The squad will face Luxembourg and Slovakia in two decisive fixtures as Germany looks to secure its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sané, who now plays for Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig, makes his comeback after missing recent international windows.

The 29-year-old has been in excellent form this season, with three goals and three assists across 14 appearances in both domestic and European competitions.

Nagelsmann said the player’s inclusion was well-deserved, citing his “renewed consistency and leadership on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, young forward Said El Mala of 1. FC Köln has been handed his first senior national call-up following an impressive run in the Bundesliga.

The teenager has scored four goals in nine league games and is regarded as one of Germany’s brightest emerging talents. Nagelsmann described El Mala as “fearless and inventive,” adding that the youngster “represents the new generation of attacking football Germany wants to build upon.”

Germany currently tops Group A of the European qualifiers, tied on points with Slovakia but ahead on goal difference. With only two games remaining, Nagelsmann’s side must win both fixtures to guarantee automatic qualification.

The inclusion of Sané and El Mala adds both experience and youthful energy to a squad missing several key players due to injury, including Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, and Marc-André ter Stegen. AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw also returns to the national team after nearly two years.

The team will play Luxembourg away on November 14 before hosting Slovakia in Berlin on November 17. Both matches are expected to test the balance between Nagelsmann’s seasoned internationals and a new wave of young talents vying to make their mark ahead of the World Cup.

Germany’s fans will be watching closely as Sané seeks to reestablish himself as a key attacking figure, while El Mala begins his journey at the senior international level — a moment that could signal the dawn of a new era for the national team.