Maximilian Beier has produced numbers that demand attention. The 23-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger has registered 20 goal contributions—10 goals and 10 assists—across 43 competitive matches this season, making him the Bundesliga's leading German goalscorer outside the traditional striker positions. Yet his inclusion in Germany's World Cup squad remains uncertain as coach Julian Nagelsmann prepares to announce his final 23 on 21 May.
The competition for remaining attacking slots is fierce. Karim Adeyemi, Beier's Dortmund teammate, has faded after extended time on the bench with just 15 goal contributions this term. Leroy Sané (16), Kevin Schade (11), Said Benrahma (17), and Chris Führich (16) all fall short of Beier's output. Only Serge Gnabry's recent injury has opened a potential pathway for the pacey, counter-attacking forwards Nagelsmann favours. Beier last earned a cap on 13 October in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, but has since been overlooked despite transforming his form in 2025—adding six goals and seven assists since the turn of the year.
The Case for Beier's Selection
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has become Beier's most vocal advocate, describing his all-action approach as precisely what Germany needs at international level. The forward's relentless work-rate transcends positional boundaries. Deployed increasingly on the left wing, he covers every metre of the touchline while maintaining defensive discipline and offensive threat. His performance in Friday's 3-2 triumph over Frankfurt exemplified this: two assists alongside tireless pressing and recovery runs.
Nagelsmann acknowledged Beier's credentials during March's DFB training camp, noting his "very good record" and acknowledging that the Dortmund man can operate across multiple attacking roles—a flexibility that isolates him from rivals locked into specialist positions. Sporting director Lars Ricken even labelled his recent performances "outstanding for weeks," frustration evident at his previous omission. The national coach has stated he will likely select "one, at most two" counter-attacking strikers, meaning one final audition remains.
Final Audition at Bremen
Borussia travel to Bremen on Saturday for a fixture that could prove decisive. Beier's statistics already speak loudly; his mentality and professionalism add a second voice. He demands nothing, causes no disruption, and understands his role as squad depth. After securing 20 goal contributions despite limited attacking opportunities, his World Cup fate now rests with Nagelsmann's philosophy on squad balance versus pure output. The deadline is 12 days away.
