Joshua Walter Kimmich (German pronunciation: born 8 February 1995) is a German professional footballer who plays as a right-back or defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and captains the Germany national team. Known for his versatility, aggression and playmaking ability, Kimmich has been compared with former Bayern Munich and Germany captain Philipp Lahm.

After coming through RB Leipzig’s youth academy, Kimmich began playing for the club’s first team in 2013. Two years later, he joined Bayern Munich.in the 2019–20 season, he won the continental treble with Bayern Munich (UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal) and was included in the UEFA Team of the Year.

Versatility & Playing Style

One of Kimmich’s defining traits is versatility:

• He is equally comfortable playing as a deep‑lying central midfielder (“#6”), as a more advanced central or box-to-box midfielder, or — when needed — as a right-back.

• In his central-midfield role with Bayern in recent seasons, he often serves as the “control centre”: dictating tempo, building play from deep, distributing passes, and directing the team’s structure.

• He has excellent technical skills — passing (even under pressure), vision, crossing, set‑piece delivery, long‑range shots — combined with defensive awareness and tenacity.

• Because of this blend, he’s often described not just as a specialist but as a “master of all” in midfield/defensive‑midfield roles.

Achievements & Career Milestones

Kimmich’s trophy cabinet speaks for itself:

• With Bayern, he has won eight Bundesliga titles, multiple DFB‑Pokal cups, UEFA Champions League (2020), FIFA Club World Cup (2020), UEFA Super Cup, and several domestic supercups.

• At the international level with Germany national football team, he made his senior debut in 2016.

• With many senior players from Germany’s past generation retiring, in September 2024 — following those transitions — Kimmich was named captain of Germany.

Individually, Kimmich has been recognized repeatedly: top playmaker, key contributor, and among the elite in his generation.

Strengths & Impact

What makes Kimmich arguably one of the best all‑rounded players in Europe right now:

• Technical + Tactical Intelligence: He almost never panics under pressure. He plays precise passes even in tight situations, often initiating attacks from deep.

• Work Ethic & Defensive Contribution: Even though he contributes offensively (passes, assists, long shots, set‑pieces), he works hard defensively — pressing, intercepting, tackling — making him excellent in both phases.

• Leadership & Consistency: Over years at Bayern, he’s remained a key figure. His new long‑term deal suggests that both he and the club view him as a pillar for the future.

• Versatility: Being able to play multiple roles — defensive‑midfield, box‑to‑box midfield, fullback — gives coaches tactical flexibility and makes him invaluable.

As one recent analysis described it, when you control the area Kimmich controls, you control the game — and he does that.