Former Liverpool star predicts Super Eagles-eligible goalkeeper Atubolu will represent Germany

Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has backed Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu to rise through the ranks and establish himself as a future Germany international.

Born in Freiburg im Breisgau to a Nigerian father, the 23-year-old is eligible to represent both Germany and Nigeria.

Atubolu was previously on the radar of former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro, who conceded it would be difficult to sway the young keeper from his commitment to Germany.

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann rewarded Atubolu's impressive club form with a late call-up to the national team for their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

However, the Freiburg shot-stopper is unlikely to feature, with Alexander Nübel and Finn Dahmen currently ahead of him in the goalkeeping hierarchy.

Babbel was full of admiration for Atubolu's talent and progress, describing him as one of Germany's most promising goalkeepers.

"Besides, we have a great goalkeeper in reserve in Alexander Nübel. And now we have Noah Atubolu," Markus Babbel said on ran.

"A keeper with enormous potential who will sooner or later become a national goalkeeper if he continues to develop at this rate.

"I don't see any urgent need for action in the goalkeeper position as long as Neuer sticks to his retirement. Then the cards would be reshuffled.”

Atubolu has enjoyed an impressive start to the Bundesliga season, notably saving Romano Schmid's spot-kick in Freiburg's 3–0 win over Werder Bremen on matchday four, his fifth consecutive penalty save, setting a new record in the process.

His rise follows that of former Super Eagles invitee Tobias Lawal, who became cap-tied to Austria in June 2025 after featuring against San Marino.

Atubolu could now become the latest dual-national goalkeeper Nigeria misses out on, should he make his senior debut for Germany.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: scfreiburg.com

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