Atubolu breaks record held by Manuel Neuer, Germany coach to watch NFF target v England U21s

Nigeria Football Federation target Noah Atubolu has emerged as one of the standout performers for Germany at the ongoing 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship.

The SC Freiburg goalkeeper etched his name into the history books during Germany's hard-fought 3-2 semifinal victory over the Netherlands, breaking a record previously held by Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer.

Atubolu now holds the record for the most appearances for Germany's U21 team with 21 caps, surpassing Neuer’s 20 at the same level.

Having previously represented Germany at U17, U19, and U20 levels, the Super Eagles-eligible shot-stopper made his U21 debut in March 2022, keeping a clean sheet in a 4-0 European Championship qualifier win over Latvia.

Atubolu is among a select group of dual-national players of Nigerian descent being closely monitored by Germany's senior national team coaches.

According to Sky Sport, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is expected to assess the 23-year-old up close on Saturday evening when Germany take on Ethan Nwaneri's England in the U21 Euro final.

Notably, Nagelsmann's goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg has previously worked with Atubolu at Freiburg.

Although the goalkeeper remains on the radar of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, Atubolu has indicated that his international future currently lies with Germany.

The Freiburg-born goalkeeper enjoyed a strong 2024–25 Bundesliga campaign, keeping ten clean sheets in 26 league matches and playing a key role in helping the club secure qualification for the Europa League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Instagram 

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