Overview
- The German FA confirmed its annual Fritz-Walter-Medaille honorees for the U17 and U19 age groups, continuing a tradition that dates to 2005.
- U19 awards went to Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart (Gold), Said El Mala of 1. FC Köln (Silver) and Max Moerstedt of TSG Hoffenheim (Bronze.
- FC Bayern prospects featured prominently, with Alara Şehitler earning U19 Gold and teammates Luzie Zähringer (U17 Gold), Lennart Karl (U17 Silver) and Marie Gmeineder (U17 Bronze) also recognized.
- El Mala’s rise was central to this year’s selections, following 13 goals for Viktoria Köln in 2024/25, top-scorer honors at the U19 Euros and two early Bundesliga goals for Köln, with reports noting a market-value jump from about €3 million to €18 million.
- In U17, Alexander Staff of Eintracht Frankfurt and Zähringer took Gold, Karl claimed Silver and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Elias Vali Fard received Bronze and was named to Germany’s squad for the November U17 World Cup.