Time for Brunner's decision between Germany and Congo

Paris Brunner, Jürgen Klopp's prodigious talent, received his first call‑up for the German U21 national team on Friday – a step that does not necessarily lead to a senior A‑team career. At the same time, DR Congo is courting the 20‑year‑old striker, who will now take time to reflect.

Congolese efforts for Brunner

Sebastien Desabre, coach of DR Congo, confirmed that they had visited Brunner's parents to talk, and added: “We will not put pressure on him.” He emphasized that Brunner, because of his Congolese roots, is also eligible to play for the World Cup participant.

Desabre further explained that Brunner is attached to both Congo and Germany. “He will take time to think, and then we will see in November what comes of it,” he said.

German perspective and qualification

Jürgen Klopp spoke on Thursday during his squad nomination about the striker and said: “I haven’t spoken with him, but we obviously notice everything. I know Paris.” DFB youth chief Hannes Wolf is a strong advocate for Brunner, and the decision remains open on his path to the German senior squad.

A possible future career in the DFB’s senior selection is not set in stone, however. The German U21 team leads its qualification group on equal points with Greece; three wins would secure first place thanks to the head‑to‑head record. As second in the group, one would probably have to go into the playoffs.

Brunner moved in 2024 from Borussia Dortmund to AS Monaco and has already scored five league goals this season for the Ligue 1 runners‑up. He is part of the 23‑man squad for the final three qualification matches for Euro 2027.

With Germany he won the U17 World and European Championships, was the 2023 top scorer and best player of the World Cup final. The last DFB jersey he wore was in November 2025 in two U20 matches, where he scored five goals. The U21 team, fighting for the Euro ticket, will play first in Latvia on 26 September, then in Malta on 30 September, and finally in Bielefeld against Georgia on 6 October.

The counterpart of Germany and Congo shows that Brunner's path remains open and clarity will only come in November. Both sides stress that he will take the necessary time to reflect.