Mahmoud Dahoud has made two appearances for the German senior national team and would like to play for his native Syria in the future. A FIFA passage makes the switch possible
Chris Führich, Waldemar Anton, Angelo Stiller, Maximilian Mittelstädt and Deniz Undav: the list of VfB professionals whose possible future in the national team is being discussed has grown steadily longer in the recent past. With Mahmoud Dahoud, one Stuttgart professional can now look forward to being called up soon – but not for the DFB squad coached by Julian Nagelsmann, for whom he has already made two appearances.
The 28-year-old midfielder confirmed to Sky that he will play for the Syrian national team in the future. This switch is possible due to FIFA regulations, as Dahoud only played in friendly matches for the DFB in the fall of 2020. Although he was in the squad for two Nations League matches and three World Cup qualifiers, he was not called up
Dahoud “full of pride” to have played for the DFB
“I was very quickly taken with the idea of playing for Syria. I grew up in Germany, spent my whole life here and was also proud to play for the youth and senior national teams. Germany is my home,” explained Stuttgart’s new winter signing.
The former DFB junior player, who was born in Syria but fled to Germany with his parents shortly after his birth, has already informed the Syrian association of his decision, the report said.
Debut still possible in March
“Syria is my family’s country of origin and ultimately also my country of birth,” said Dahoud. “And I learned early on from my family how privileged we are to live in Germany and how important it is to bring joy to the people of Syria. I’d like to do that and I’m really looking forward to this project close to my heart.”
It is still unclear whether he will make his debut during the upcoming international break. Syria will play two World Cup qualifiers against Myanmar at the end of March
