German Bundesliga shooting star picks DFB – USA reacts angrily

The 19‑year‑old defender Noahkai Banks of FC Augsburg said at halftime of the match between Fuggerstädter and Union Berlin to Sky that he has finally decided for the German national team. This means the DFB can look forward to his services in the future.

U21 Coach Di Salvo Confirms More DFB Talents

U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo had already announced about a month ago that, in addition to Banks, Louey Ben Farhat from Karlsruher SC could also be recruited for the DFB team. He emphasized: “We have been in contact for a very, very long time. I am proud that we were able to excite the two players for the German national team.”

Both players had so far played at youth level for the home country of their fathers; Ben Farhat even for the Tunisian A‑team. Di Salvo added that both have the possibility of a World Cup open to them.

In his statement Banks emphasized: “I have thought about it extremely long with my family and, yes, I also did not play the World Cup in the USA. I grew up here, I feel German and I want to wear the eagle on my chest.”

Through his father, Banks also holds US citizenship, but he turned down an invitation from US national coach Mauricio Pochettino for test matches against Belgium and Portugal in March.

The decision sparked discontent in the USA. US legend Landon Donovan expressed great displeasure, while a coach described the choice as “impressive, bold and confident” because Banks feels German and wants to walk the path with Germany.

Thus Banks is now firmly on the side of the DFB, while the USA are confronted with the loss of a potential A‑player.