Germany has called up Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega for the first time, marking a big milestone for the 32-year-old goalkeeper. Ortega, who joined City in 2022 as Ederson’s backup, has stood out in both Champions League and domestic cup games but has rarely appeared in the Premier League, where Brazilian Ederson is the mainstay.
Now, Stefan Ortega’s hard work and consistent performances have earned him a spot on Germany’s squad for their Nations League matches against Bosnia and Hungary later this month.
Known for his reliability and composure under pressure, Stefan Ortega has made an impression in high-stakes moments. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, praised him late last season, calling him “a world-class goalkeeper, an exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”
This strong endorsement has added to the anticipation surrounding Ortega’s debut for Germany, where he is expected to serve as the team’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Alexander Nuebel and Oliver Baumann.
With Germany already securing a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, head coach Julian Nagelsmann sees these matches as a stepping stone toward the team’s long-term goals, including a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup. Germany, currently at the top of Group A3, will host Bosnia on November 16, followed by an away game against Hungary on November 19.
“We’ve secured our spot in the quarter-finals, but now we’re aiming to finish first in the group,” Nagelsmann said. “Reaching the Nations League final four next year is a key step on our journey to the World Cup.”
For Stefan Ortega, this call-up is a testament to persistence and excellence even without regular league play, underscoring that opportunities come to those who stay ready.
