Muhammed Damar Makes Comeback to German U21 National Team
Muhammed Damar is set to return to the German U21 national team after nearly a year away. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is rejoining Antonio Di Salvo’s squad at a crucial moment in his career, which has seen both impressive potential and frustrating challenges over the last two seasons.
During a remote DFB U21 press conference on Tuesday, reported by Get German Football News, Damar expressed his happiness about rejoining his teammates as they prepare for upcoming matches against Belgium and Croatia. He appreciated the warm welcome from his fellow players and acknowledged Di Salvo’s unwavering support during his hiatus.
The midfielder’s return to form with VfL Wolfsburg was instrumental in facilitating his international comeback. With four goals and one assist in his last six league outings, Damar has managed to rebuild his reputation after a difficult year spent at Hoffenheim.
From Elversberg Breakthrough to Hoffenheim Frustration
Damar’s career has been a rollercoaster ride. The Berlin native moved to Hoffenheim from Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth academy in 2022. After a disappointing loan at Hannover 96, he truly emerged as a player during the 2024/25 season at SV Elversberg.
During his time with the Saarland club, Damar netted nine goals in 31 league matches, helping Elversberg reach the Bundesliga promotion play-off. His outstanding performances drew interest from top-tier clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.
In response, Hoffenheim extended his contract until 2029, viewing him as a possible successor to Bayern Munich-bound midfielder Tom Bischof. However, the anticipated breakthrough in Sinsheim never materialized.
As GGFN reported, Damar struggled for playing time amid fierce competition within Hoffenheim’s attack, managing just two starts out of 15 Bundesliga appearances last season.
The lack of consistent game time was a significant setback for a player whose development had surged at Elversberg.
Wolfsburg Move Restores Confidence and Momentum
Damar ultimately opted for a fresh start in the 2. Bundesliga, signing with relegated Wolfsburg in July 2023 on a contract through 2031. This decision has already begun to yield positive results.
The 22-year-old has featured in ten of Wolfsburg’s first eleven league matches under coach Tobias Strobl, primarily playing in an advanced midfield role while also adapting to a central position when necessary. Importantly, regular playing time has enabled him to rediscover the attributes that made him a sought-after talent at Elversberg.
Though his initial games were tough, with no goals or assists in the first five league matches, Damar turned around his fortunes in September. The first highlight came during Wolfsburg’s emphatic 5-1 win over Darmstadt on September 18, where he scored in the 67th minute.
In an exciting 4-4 draw against Nürnberg on October 10, Damar scored a long-range goal and attempted five shots, three of which were on target. A week later, he contributed to a 3-1 victory over Heidenheim, scoring the decisive goal in the 65th minute after a layoff from teammate Fabian Reese.
His contributions extended beyond scoring. In a recent 1-1 draw against Bochum on October 23, he assisted on the team’s first goal with a well-placed pass. Damar continued to shine, providing another assist in the DFB-Pokal match against SC Freiburg.
In the subsequent 2-0 league triumph over Osnabrück, he scored with a right-footed finish after receiving a pass from Reese. Over his last six matches, Damar has tallied four league goals and one assist, reflecting a resurgence in his performance level.
Damar Reveals Elversberg Return Was Under Consideration
At the Tuesday press conference, Damar disclosed that a potential return to Elversberg had also been discussed before his move to Wolfsburg. He confirmed that he was in touch with Elversberg’s current coach, Vincent Wagner, from their time together at Hoffenheim.
Damar shared, “I know Vincent Wagner from Hoffenheim’s U23. Whenever I wasn’t playing with the first team, I went down to the U23s. We’ve maintained a very good relationship. We exchanged messages, but in the end, I decided on Wolfsburg.”
He still holds a deep fondness for his former loan club, praising Elversberg as a great environment for young players who receive ample trust and can play freely.
Fellow press conference attendee Maurice Krattenmacher, who moved to Elversberg from Bayern Munich, echoed Damar’s sentiments, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Di Salvo Never Lost Faith in Muhammed Damar
An essential aspect of Damar’s return is his previous international performances, which showcased his potential despite a stagnant club career. GGFN regularly noted his contributions during Germany’s 2025 U21 European Championship qualifying campaign.
During various assessments, Damar impressed with his performances, including a strong showing against Albania and a goal in a 5-0 victory over Latvia. Despite Germany’s narrow loss to Greece, his work rate and contributions did not go unnoticed, further solidifying his importance to coach Antonio Di Salvo’s squad.
At the conclusion of the November 2025 internationals, Damar had made a significant impact, scoring three goals in six U21 appearances, reinforcing his status as a valued player in the national setup.
