Yesterday’s game touched me deeply. It was more than just a football match – it was a moment that triggered so many emotions in me.

After the rest of the family went to sleep, my son and I watched the Germany vs. Hungary game together.

My son is an avid fan of Musiala, and shortly before Euro 24 he asked me to buy him a Musiala shirt. At that time I didn’t know the name. “How can you not know him?” he asked. Well, I almost only watch international matches and unfortunately didn’t notice it in 2021.

My son also raves about players like Wirtz, Füllkrug, Kimmich and Havertz.

The teamwork on the field was a real pleasure for both of us.
But while my son admired the technical finesse and the teamwork, the game moved me on a deeper level. It moved me to tears.

How beautiful it is to live in a world where we can be free to be who we are, where our talents are allowed to shine, no matter what we look like, what hair color we have or what names we have.

I remembered a term paper that I once wrote on the topic of “Leading diverse teams using the example of a football team”. At that time, I was not aware of how much hashtag#Vielfalt and its challenges and opportunities also shape hashtag#Deutschland.

But today I look at football matches with completely different eyes: What lessons can we learn from them for companies and our own lives? Musiala’s lightness and energy on the pitch fascinate me deeply. “It’s musicalized” I’ve already heard. Taking advantage of the smallest opportunities – that’s pure inspiration.

The cohesion in the team, the great commitment of each individual player, touch me particularly as a mother with immigration stories.

Yesterday’s game showed me how natural it is for our children to make history in a diverse team. For my son, it’s normal that the players on the field are so different and therefore complement each other perfectly.

The friendship between Wirtz and Musiala, the spirit in the team – all of this amazes him. “That was a mega interaction from everyone, Mom,” he said enthusiastically.

At the end of the game, I said to my son, “Let’s wait for an interview.” Then Niclas Füllkrug spoke and his words touched me: “[…] We’re really happy to have the two guys at this level in our squad. It’s a gift, and all German fans will have a lot of fun with it for the next few years.”

Yes, diversity is a gift – if we allow it.

Thank you Wirtz, Musiala, Füllkrug, Kimmich and the whole team for giving us an unforgettable evening and giving us new confidence. https://lnkd.in/eccJiY43