Germany’s success on the world stage is not an accident. After a disappointing performance at Euro 2000, the German football authorities carried out a major reform of youth development.
Academies for every club
Clubs in the top two divisions were required to run youth academies with qualified coaches and modern facilities. The goal was to make sure talented young players were found and trained properly.
A generation of stars
The reforms helped to produce players such as Thomas Müller, who came through the Bayern Munich system, and Manuel Neuer, who developed at Schalke. Germany won the World Cup in 2014 with a squad shaped by this system.
Opportunities in the league
Because the Bundesliga gives young players a real chance in the first team, it is often seen as a great place for talents to grow.