German Football Ambassador Nominees 2019
Toni Kroos, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Anja Mittag, Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are just some of the players contending for this year's German Football Ambassador public award.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
The former Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper continues to thrive at Barcelona. At 26, he is already a Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey winner. He is so popular at Barcelona that fans have dubbed him "Messi with gloves."
Dzsenifer Marozsan
The Hungarian-born Germany international made her Bundesliga debut at just 15. Her career with Olympique Lyon has yielded three Womens' Champions League titles and she was named German Player of the Year in 2018.
Anja Mittag
Mittag is currently the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Women's Champions League and won gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She is in her second spell for FC Rosengard in Sweden,
Leroy Sane
The Manchester City winger has earned many plaudits for his spectacular performances in England. One of three former Schalke youth products on the list, Sane has picked up a Premier League winners medal in his time at City. It is his form for Jogi Löw's new-look German national team, though, which has German fans optimistic again after the national team's 2018 World Cup failure.
Toni Kroos
The Real Madrid playmaker continues to be a steadying force for Los Blancos, even though the Spanish giants are going through a transition period. The 29-year-old has already won the Champions League four times.
Antonio Rüdiger
The tough tackling defender has made himself a valuable member of Chelsea's rearguard, winning the FA Cup in 2016-2017.
Ilkay Gündogan
A midfielder at the heart of Pep Guardiola's team, Gündogan has been a key part of Manchester City's chase for four trophies in this season. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund, he has won the Premier League and the English League Cup.
Lukas Podolski
A player with 130 caps for Germany to his name. His illustrious career has taken him to top clubs in Germany, England, Italy and Turkey. Now, the 33-year-old striker is on the goal trail with Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Thilo Kehrer
The young defender left Schalke for French champions Paris St. Germain. He made his German national team debut in 2018. Kehrer is also engaged in charity initiatives to support disadvantaged children in Burundi.
Julian Draxler
Draxler is the second PSG man on this list, and is closing in on another title with the French giants. The Schalke youth product is regarded as a reliable and versatile winger with pace and a powereful shot.
Julian Gressel
The German plies his trade in the MLS with with Atlanta United. After playing football at college level, Gressel won the Rookie of the Season award in 2017 and the MLS title in 2018.