From goals and matches to teammates and opponents, who and what make it into our Germany international forward’s list of career Top Threes?
Football memories?
“First, earning promotion to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen in 2021/22. It was a very special season, and I scored 19 goals.
“Next would be getting to the UEFA Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund in 2024, against Real Madrid, and then I would say UEFA Euro 2024 with Germany, where I scored against Scotland in the opening match.”
Inspirations?
“I only have two - Didier Drogba and Miroslav Klose.
“They are two of the game’s greatest ever strikers.”
Personal achievements?
“Being the joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen in 2023, which made me the first top scorer to play for Bremen since my idol Klose in 2005/06.
“Scoring against Scotland at the Allianz Arena at the Euros is second, and lastly, my goal-scoring contributions for the national team, which are really good.”
Goals?
“Scoring against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in April 2024, then also scoring the only goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the semi-finals a few weeks later.
“I’ll also say scoring for Germany at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar against Spain, in the group stage.”
Matches?
“Of course, the UEFA Champions League final, against Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium, is my first choice. We lost sadly, but it was just an incredible occasion.
“Again, the game against Scotland at the Euros, because it was the home tournament for Germany, and I came on and scored a screamer.
“And then I would say also the match for Werder Bremen when we got promoted on the last matchday against SSV Jahn Regensburg in the 2. Bundesliga, in May 2022. I scored the opening goal, we won 2-0 and the celebrations were amazing.”
Teammates?
“It’s difficult to say. I will get so many messages after this!
“Christian Groß, who played for Werder Bremen, Nick Woltemade, who’s at Newcastle now, and Sebastian Mielitz, who I also played with at Bremen.”
Opponents?
“I’ll say Paris Saint-Germain, as I have had good games against them throughout my career.
“I’d also add Hamburg, because they have a very nice stadium (Volksparkstadion), and then Bayer Leverkusen, as I’ve got a good goalscoring record against them.”
Achievements at West Ham United?
“My first home goal against AFC Bournemouth in April 2025, because we played a very good second half and the stadium was very enthusiastic.
“I can’t forget the song from the fans when they sang my name for the first time at Crystal Palace last season. It was my first away game, it was a very nice game, and we played well. It was lovely.
“Finally, I’ll say my first goal against Leicester City in December 2024. Of course, it was a difficult game, because we lost 3-1, but it was after my first injury, my first game back, and I scored. So, for me, it was still something positive.”
