Germany Wants Compensation for Players Choosing Türkiye - DFB

⚽ Germany Debates Compensation as More Turkish-Origin Players Choose Türkiye 🇩🇪🇹🇷

Germany's Football Association (DFB) is exploring ways to seek compensation for developing young talents who later choose to represent other countries — with Türkiye cited as a main example amid a growing trend of German-born players opting for their heritage nation.

The debate reignited after Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız and Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun, both born and raised in Germany, decided to play for Türkiye. Their choice reflects a long-standing reality in a country that is home to around 3 million people of Turkish descent, where many young footballers with dual nationality must choose between the German eagle and the Turkish crescent.

🗣️ "It makes no sense that a player who has been coached for years by his club and our federation can switch national associations for free," said Andreas Rettig, managing director of the DFB, in an interview with German news agency dpa on November 11.

The DFB is now studying whether a "coaching compensation" system could be implemented for players who represented Germany at youth level before changing allegiance. Any system would need FIFA's approval to be valid internationally.

Rettig added that this issue is still under discussion, but emphasized that 💡 "coaching should be worthwhile for both sides — the player and the federation."

🔄 Changing Demographics and Football Choices

Germany has long benefited from its immigrant communities, producing Turkish-origin stars such as İlkay Gündoğan and Mesut Özil, who played key roles in the national team's success. However, in recent years, more dual-national players — especially those with Turkish roots — have been choosing other countries.

📊 Currently, German youth international Muhammed Damar is reportedly also being approached by Türkiye.

Rettig pointed out that this trend mirrors Germany's changing demographics:

📈 "In Germany, 43% of children under five now hold dual citizenship. When they're 10 or 12 years older, they'll decide whether they prefer the eagle or the crescent moon."

According to DFB data, in youth categories from U15 to U21, 7–8 players in the starting eleven often have dual nationality.

⭐ Key Players Who Chose Türkiye

• 🎯 Kenan Yıldız - Juventus forward, born in Germany
• 🎯 Can Uzun - Eintracht Frankfurt, born in Germany
• 🎯 Muhammed Damar - German youth international being approached by Türkiye

📜 Historical Context

• ✅ İlkay Gündoğan - Chose Germany, current captain
• ✅ Mesut Özil - Chose Germany, retired international

🌍 The debate reveals more than a football issue — it's a reflection of modern Germany's diversity and the growing influence of identity in international sport.