After the 32-year-old delivered – in the words of RTLcommentator Lothar Matthäus – the "perfect game", SC Freiburg are rallying around defender Matthias Ginter and endorsing his return to the German national team. Ginter played a pivotal role in Freiburg's Europa League victory over Celta Vigo last night. The 52-times-capped international presently makes a strong case for a return to the Germany squad following a three-year hiatus.
Ginter has delivered an excellent Bundesliga campaign for Freiburg, scoring two goals and adding four assists in 27 league starts. SCF head coach Julian Schuster has included Ginter in his starting XI 42 times across all competitions this season. Incredibly, the native Freiburger has gone the full 90 minutes on every last occasion.
Ginter truly began heating up a little less than a month ago. Get German Football News accorded him "Man-of-the-Match" honors during Freiburg's away UEL loss at Genk on March 12th. Ginter ended up scoring a goal and adding an assist during Freiburg's comeback victory in the home leg.
The historic victory that propelled Freiburg to the 2025/26 UEL quarterfinals fell on the very same day that Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann selected his squad for the March international break. Ginter found himself answering questions about a return to the national team.
Matthäus' assessment was no exaggeration. Ginter remained dominant in his direct duels. He propelled the SCF attack forward with his 82 touches and 61 passes; almost all of which connected. Most importantly, Ginter proved that he can work as a forward striker late in matches. Nagelsmann naturally needs just such a centre-back to turn to in a pinch during the forthcoming summer World Cup.
Ginter's performance struck many German observers as being "Per-Mertesacker-esque". Provided he can maintain his form, it appears fully logical that Ginter should earn his first Germany call up since 2023. The former Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach professional was on both the 2014 and 2018 German World Cup squads, though he didn't feature in either tournament.
" We were a brave and confident team today, " Grifo told RTLlast night. " We made excellent decisions and were the better team from the first minute onwards. We've got the perfect mix of veterans and youngsters on the team. The young guys play carefree and confidently, knowing that they can mess up sometimes. Us experienced ones can step in to help.
" He's an outstanding player who leads by example and proves his worth week after week, " Grifo said of Ginter. " He provides us with incredible stability. I don't know if he lost a single duel. He was simply magnificent today.
" We [mayself and Nagelsmann] have been in contact, " Ginter again confirmed while speaking in the mixed zone. " I'll do everything I can [to earn a call-up] so long as it's possible. There's nothing else I can do. It's not my decision. I'll just do my best, including playing as a striker late when I'm needed. "
