German goalkeeper Ter Stegen achieves his dream of joining the national team

The summer of 2024 could be the most memorable of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s career, as the 32-year-old was not only promoted to Barcelona’s new captain, but also achieved the status of Germany’s No.1 goalkeeper after more than 12 years.

Having to return to the bench ahead of Euro 2024 was perhaps the toughest test for Ter Stegen’s heart and soul when rival Manuel Neuer returned after more than a year out due to a skiing accident.

Ter Stegen once spoke of a “slap in the face”, but he kept silent and accepted his role of public attention.

The weeks without a single minute of competitive play between the posts, as well as the training sessions that seem endless at the moment, seem to be the toughest test of his life.

Taking care of the goal of one of the best clubs in the world did not seem enough to improve things.

The 40 appearances for the German national team since May 2012 could tell the story of a man waiting without guarantee to achieve his desired goal.

Ten years ago, Ter Stegen left his hometown club Borussia Mönchengladbach to join Barcelona after 18 years playing in every age category since 1996.

Having made 284 appearances for the Spanish giants, his patience has paid off in the national team, and the prospect of taking charge of the German goal as an undisputed starter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup seems like a well-deserved reward.

Ter Stegen has often spoken of the mental challenge he faced in staying focused despite setbacks. As sensible as his promotion may seem, the milestone comes at a time when the German team is facing a significant generational change.

While things are still falling into place after the resignations of Neuer, Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan, it seems more than ever that there is a need to keep the goal clean. Replacing a pillar like Neuer seems to be a bigger challenge.

After five La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League triumph in 2015, Ter Stegen may have reached new shores, but he must also contend with the revival of the 2014 world champions.

The upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary and the Netherlands will be the first test.

“He is the natural successor to our number 1 because of his continued excellent performances with Barca,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

There doesn’t seem to be much space to enjoy the moment he wants, and Ter Stegen must show the same lion-hearted attitude he displayed when he headed for the Spain job a decade ago.