Brief Introduction of Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Walter Kimmich is a world-renowned German professional footballer, celebrated for his exceptional versatility, tactical intelligence, and relentless work ethic. Born on February 8, 1995, he currently plays as a defensive midfielder for the Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and is the captain of the German national team. Often compared to German football legend Philipp Lahm, Kimmich is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world due to his ability to excel in multiple positions, including right-back and center-back. His leadership qualities, precise passing, and tenacity have made him an indispensable figure for both his club and country. He was a pivotal part of the Bayern Munich team that secured the continental treble in the 2019-20 season, a feat that cemented his status as a world-class player.
Joshua Kimmich Overview
| Full Name | Joshua Walter Kimmich |
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1995 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 30 |
| Birthplace | Rottweil, Germany |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Lina Meyer (married 2022) |
| Family | Anja Kimmich (Mother), Berthold Kimmich (Father), Deborah Kimmich (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between €50 million and €60 million |
Early Life and Education of Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich was born in Rottweil, a town in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He grew up in the nearby village of Bösingen with his parents, Anja and Berthold Kimmich, and his sister, Deborah. His passion for football was evident from a very young age. He began his football journey at the local club, VfB Bösingen. At the age of 12, his talent was recognized by VfB Stuttgart, one of Germany’s most reputable youth academies, and he made the significant step of leaving his family home to pursue his dream. During his time at Stuttgart’s academy, he played alongside future German national teammates Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner. Despite showing promise, Kimmich faced a setback when VfB Stuttgart released him in 2013, believing he was not physically suited for the professional level. This rejection, however, did not deter him. Information regarding his formal academic education beyond his footballing commitments is not publicly available.
Joshua Kimmich’s Career
Following his departure from VfB Stuttgart, Kimmich joined RB Leipzig in July 2013, a move that would prove to be a turning point in his career. Under the guidance of coach Ralf Rangnick, he honed his skills and quickly established himself as a key player. He made his professional debut in the 3. Liga on September 28, 2013. Over two seasons with Leipzig, he made 53 appearances, scoring three goals and helping the team secure promotion to the 2. Bundesliga. His impressive performances caught the eye of Germany’s biggest club, Bayern Munich, who signed him in January 2015 for a reported fee of €7 million, with the move taking effect in the summer.
At Bayern Munich, under the management of Pep Guardiola, Kimmich’s career soared to new heights. Guardiola recognized his immense talent and versatility, famously praising him as “one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.” He made his Bundesliga debut for Bayern on September 12, 2015. In his first season, he made 23 league appearances and was part of the squad that won the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal. Following the retirement of club captain Philipp Lahm in 2017, Kimmich seamlessly transitioned into the right-back role, becoming the undisputed starter. He continued to develop into a world-class player, known for his assists and all-around play. A crowning achievement of his club career came in the 2019-20 season, where he played an instrumental role in Bayern Munich’s historic continental treble win, which included the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. In the Champions League final, he provided the crucial assist for the winning goal. He has since won numerous other titles with Bayern, including multiple Bundesliga championships and DFL-Supercups. In March 2025, he extended his contract with the club until 2029, reaffirming his commitment.
Kimmich’s international career has been equally illustrious. After representing Germany at various youth levels, including winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2014, he made his senior debut on May 29, 2016. He was a key player in Germany’s run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and was named in the Team of the Tournament. A year later, he was part of the German squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. He has since participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2020, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In September 2024, he was appointed the new captain of the German national team, a testament to his leadership qualities and importance to the squad.
Joshua Kimmich Personal Life & Family
Joshua Kimmich is married to his long-time partner, Lina Meyer. The couple met in 2013 while Kimmich was playing for RB Leipzig, where Lina was working in the club’s fanshop. They maintained a long-distance relationship for a period after his move to Munich before she joined him in the Bavarian capital after completing her law studies. After nearly a decade together, they tied the knot in June 2022. The couple has four children together. Their first child was born in 2019, followed by a daughter in 2020, and two more children in 2022 and 2024. Kimmich values his privacy and rarely speaks publicly about his children, though he has mentioned that fatherhood has given his life a completely new meaning. The family resides in the Untergiesing-Harlaching district of Munich.
Outside of football, Kimmich is known for his social conscience. Along with his Bayern Munich teammate Leon Goretzka, he co-founded the “We Kick Corona” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign raised millions of euros to support charitable and medical institutions, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact off the field.
Awards and Achievements of Joshua Kimmich
- UEFA Champions League: 2019–20
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2020
- UEFA Super Cup: 2020
- Bundesliga Champion (Multiple seasons)
- DFB-Pokal Winner (Multiple seasons)
- DFL-Supercup Winner (Multiple seasons)
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2014
- UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season: 2019–20
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2020
- FIFA FIFPro World11: 2020
- Bundesliga Team of the Season (Multiple seasons)
- German National Team Player of the Year: 2017, 2021
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
- Fritz Walter Medal: Silver (2013), Bronze (2014)
Joshua Kimmich Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Joshua Kimmich’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of €50 million to €60 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through his lucrative football contracts, endorsement deals, and other ventures. His annual salary at Bayern Munich is reported to be around €20 million, making him one of the top earners at the club. His current contract, which runs until 2029, ensures his financial standing for the foreseeable future. Beyond his club salary, Kimmich earns a significant amount from endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike and Gillette. He is also known for his taste in luxury cars, reportedly owning vehicles from Rolls-Royce, Audi, and BMW.
Legacy and Influence
Joshua Kimmich’s legacy is that of a modern, complete footballer who embodies versatility, intelligence, and a winning mentality. His ability to perform at a world-class level in both defense and midfield sets him apart from his peers. He is often seen as the tactical brain on the pitch, capable of dictating the tempo of a game, breaking up opposition attacks, and initiating his team’s offensive plays with precise passing. His leadership qualities were recognized early in his career and have culminated in him captaining the German national team. Coaches and teammates alike praise his passion, determination, and commitment. Off the field, his “We Kick Corona” initiative has highlighted his character and desire to use his platform for social good, influencing other athletes to engage in philanthropic efforts. He is considered a Role Model for aspiring footballers, demonstrating how technical skill combined with intelligence and hard work can lead to the pinnacle of the sport.
Interesting Facts about Joshua Kimmich
- As a youth player at VfB Stuttgart, he was teammates with future Germany internationals Serge Gnabry and Timo Werner.
- He broke a record set by German legend Franz Beckenbauer for the most consecutive appearances for the national team, playing in 24 straight games between June 2016 and October 2017.
- In the 2018-19 Bundesliga season, Kimmich impressively played every single minute of all 34 matches for Bayern Munich.
- He is a co-founder of the “We Kick Corona” campaign with teammate Leon Goretzka to help social and charitable institutions during the pandemic.
- Despite his fame, he prioritizes his family life and has stated that having four children means he often goes to bed early.
- Pep Guardiola, his first coach at Bayern Munich, once declared him as “almost my son.”
Controversies
While largely seen as a model professional, Kimmich has faced some controversies. In 2021, he garnered significant media attention and public debate in Germany for his initial reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19, citing a lack of long-term studies. He later contracted the virus, which led to a lung issue that sidelined him for several weeks. He subsequently changed his stance and decided to get vaccinated, expressing regret over his initial hesitation. On the pitch, his intense and emotional style of play has occasionally led to confrontations. In April 2023, he sparked a brawl after celebrating provocatively in front of opposition fans following a narrow win against SC Freiburg, for which he later apologized, admitting he let his emotions get the better of him. He has also faced criticism at times regarding his on-field positioning and decision-making, with some pundits suggesting he is best suited to the right-back role rather than his preferred midfield position.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: Information not disclosed
- Twitter: Information not disclosed
- YouTube: Information not disclosed
Final Words about Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich stands as a paragon of modern football, a player whose intelligence and versatility are matched only by his fierce determination. Having already amassed a staggering collection of trophies with Bayern Munich and established himself as the leader of the German national team, his journey is far from over. With his long-term future secured at Bayern, he is poised to continue shaping the fortunes of one of Europe’s elite clubs for years to come. His evolution from a promising young talent into a world-class leader serves as an inspiration, and his influence on the game, both on and off the pitch, is undeniable. As he continues to compete at the highest level, Joshua Kimmich’s biography is still being written, with many more chapters of success anticipated for this exceptional footballer.
