Germany's national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, was set to unveil his European Championship squad on Thursday, but a series of unconventional leaks have stolen the spotlight.
Various entities, including bakers, singers, entertainers, art venues, and radio stations, have taken it upon themselves to reveal Nagelsmann's selections, creating a buzz around the upcoming tournament.
In an unexpected turn, the Frankfurter Kunsthalle art exhibition venue disclosed that Leroy Sané, the injured Bayern Munich winger, has secured a spot in the squad, bringing the total number of confirmed players to nine prior to Nagelsmann's official announcement.
Other leaked selections include Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, announced during a radio program, Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, revealed by a Black Forest bakery, and Eintracht Frankfurt defender Robin Koch, unveiled by YouTube entertainers. Similarly, Arsenal forward Kai Havertz's inclusion was confirmed through social media, while Stuttgart defender Maximilian Mittelstädt's selection was endorsed by singer Peter Schilling on Instagram.
Notably, Mittelstädt's first goal for Germany in their recent victory over the Netherlands in March was celebrated with Schilling's 1980s hit "Major Tom," prompting thousands of German fans to petition for it to become the official goal-jingle.
In addition to Sané, the confirmed squad members include Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, and Bayern midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović.
Despite their strong performances towards the end of the season, there will be no return for Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka or Mats Hummels, the 35-year-old Dortmund defender who played a pivotal role in his team's journey to the Champions League final.
Sané, who is suspended for Germany's upcoming warmup match against Ukraine on June 3 in Nuremberg, is expected to be available for selection for their final tune-up game against Greece in Mönchengladbach four days later.
Germany, as the host nation, will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14, followed by matches against Hungary in Stuttgart on June 19 and Switzerland in Frankfurt on June 23.
