When Leroy Sané stepped onto the pitch at Stade de Luxembourg on November 14, 2025, few expected him to steal the show. But by full time, the 29-year-old right winger had done exactly that — delivering two pinpoint assists to guide Germany to a 2-0 victory over Luxembourg in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifierLuxembourg City. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Sané’s return to the starting XI after an 18-month absence wasn’t just a tactical gamble — it paid off in spades.
Sané’s Moment of Redemption
The first goal came in the 49th minute. A diagonal pass from the right flank, controlled with the kind of first touch that makes defenders sigh, then a low, curling cross that found Nick Woltemade at the far post. No hesitation. No fuss. Just a finish. Sané didn’t celebrate wildly. He nodded, turned, and jogged back — the quiet confidence of someone who knew what he’d just done. Twenty minutes later, he did it again. Another run down the flank, a deft cutback, and Woltemade made it 2-0. This time, Ridle Baku picked up the secondary assist, but the architect was clear: Sané."He had two good moves that led to two goals," said Julian Nagelsmann, Germany’s 38-year-old head coach, at the post-match press conference. "His first-touch was excellent. Controlling the ball like that and then immediately playing it into the box with his right foot — he did that very, very well."
Sané, who plays for FC Bayern Munich, hadn’t started for Germany since March 2024. His absence was a mix of club workload, minor injuries, and what insiders called "tactical recalibration." But Nagelsmann never lost faith. "I knew he’d respond," the coach added. "He’s not the loudest guy in the locker room, but when he’s on, he speaks with his feet."
Behind the Scenes: Trust Rebuilt
In the mixed zone after the match, Sané was calm, almost humble. "I’m pleased that I could repay his trust," he said, referring to Nagelsmann. "Julian knows exactly how I tick. He gives me plenty of respect, but also plenty of ‘tough love’ at times." That dynamic matters. Sané has never been the type to thrive under constant public scrutiny. His best football comes when he’s allowed space — mentally and tactically. Nagelsmann’s approach, a blend of quiet encouragement and high expectations, seems to have unlocked something. And it showed.Even Woltemade, the 23-year-old VfB Stuttgart forward who scored both goals, singled out Sané in his post-match comments. "He made it look easy. I just had to be there. He’s got that instinct — the kind you can’t coach."
Left-back David Raum, who plays for RB Leipzig, echoed the sentiment. "We’ve seen this before — when Sané’s sharp, the whole team lifts. Tonight, he was sharp."
Germany’s Quiet Dominance
The win extended Germany’s perfect record in Group J of World Cup 2026 qualifying to four wins from four matches — 12 points, zero goals conceded. Luxembourg, ranked 92nd in the FIFA rankings, offered little threat beyond a few set pieces. But the real story wasn’t the scoreline. It was the reintegration of a player many had written off.Before the match, a November 13 article by Teddy Son of Bavarian Football Works speculated whether Sané might be named substitute captain. The answer? No. Joshua Kimmich wore the armband. But Sané didn’t need it. He had the ball. And that was enough.
The Deutsche Fußball-Union (DFB), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, has long used qualifiers like this to test returning talent. Sané’s case was different — not because of his skill, but because of his history. Once a generational prospect, he’s now a mature, focused professional. And for the first time in years, he looked like the player Germany hoped he’d become.
What’s Next? Slovakia and the Road to 2026
Germany’s next test comes on November 17, 2025, at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg, against Slovakia. The match kicks off at 8:45 PM CET. Slovakia sits second in Group J with 8 points — a potential playoff contender. But if Sané keeps playing like this, Germany won’t need playoffs. They’ll be heading straight to Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the 2026 finals.For now, the narrative has shifted. It’s no longer about whether Sané can return. It’s about how high he can fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Leroy Sané out of the German national team for 18 months?
Sané’s absence stemmed from a combination of heavy club commitments with FC Bayern Munich and minor injury setbacks that limited his match fitness. His playing style — high-intensity sprints and sharp cuts — made him susceptible to muscle strains, prompting the DFB and Bayern to manage his load carefully. He also took time to reset mentally after a difficult 2023 season.
How did Julian Nagelsmann manage to get the best out of Sané this time?
Nagelsmann gave Sané tactical freedom on the right flank, allowing him to drift inside without the pressure of defensive tracking duties. He also avoided public criticism, instead using private conversations to challenge Sané. This quiet trust — paired with clear expectations — helped Sané feel secure enough to play without fear of failure.
What does this mean for Germany’s World Cup 2026 chances?
Germany now leads Group J with 12 points and a +11 goal difference. With Sané back in form and Woltemade emerging as a reliable finisher, the team looks more balanced than in previous qualifiers. If they maintain this level, they’re clear favorites to top the group and avoid a playoff — a rare luxury for a team that’s often struggled in qualifiers.
Is this a sign that Sané could become Germany’s next captain?
Not immediately. Joshua Kimmich remains the clear leader, and Sané’s reserved nature doesn’t yet fit the traditional captain profile. But if he continues delivering in big moments and takes on a vocal role in the locker room, he could be considered for the armband after Kimmich’s international career winds down — perhaps by 2028.
How does this performance compare to Sané’s past international appearances?
Sané’s last standout international performance was in the 2022 World Cup, where he had one assist against Spain. But that tournament was marred by fatigue. This match was different: sharper decision-making, better positioning, and a complete lack of self-doubt. It’s the most complete 90 minutes he’s played for Germany since his 2018 World Cup campaign.
Who else performed well for Germany in this match?
Nick Woltemade, at just 23, was brilliant — two goals, constant movement, and a strong hold-up game. David Raum provided width and defensive stability on the left, while midfielders Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala controlled the tempo. The backline, led by Niklas Süle, didn’t concede a single shot on target.
