Few people in world football straddle two cultures quite like Gerald Asamoah. Born in Mampong, Ghana, and raised in Germany from the age of 12, he became a trailblazer when he pulled on the white shirt of Die Mannschaft for the first time in 2001.
In the process, he became the first Africa-born Black player to represent the German national team. He went on to earn 43 caps, score six international goals, and represent Germany at two World Cups, finishing as runners-up in 2002 and third in 2006 on home soil.
Now, as the first major international tournament of his former nation's new generation approaches, Asamoah is watching the build-up to the 2026 World Cup in North America with the eye of someone who has lived at the very intersection of the two football worlds it will bring together this summer.
Favourites for the title
With the 2026 World Cup beginning in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Asamoah has been watching form, assessing squads and forming his own verdict on who will be lifting the trophy come the final whistle in July. His assessment is clear, if nuanced.
"France is a strong side and also Spain," he told Flashscore in an exclusive interview.
"I wouldn't put Germany right at the top, although they can always surprise. Then you have Argentina, with great team spirit, especially with Lionel Messi. Brazil are always unpredictable, you never quite know what you'll get from them. But if you ask me, I think it could come down to France and Spain. Spain, in particular, are very good at building a team."
It is a measured take from a man who spent the best years of his career understanding precisely what Germany can and cannot do on the biggest stage. He was there in 2002 when they reached the final, and in 2006 when they captured the hearts of their own nation. He knows both the ceiling and the floor of German football better than most.
Wirtz and Musiala: Germany's young stars
Despite not placing Germany among the outright favourites, Asamoah is far from dismissive of Julian Nagelsmann's side. His eyes light up when the conversation turns to the individuals who could make Germany dangerous, even unpredictable, in a tournament setting.
"Florian Wirtz is one to watch. He's a very good player although he is having a challenging season with Liverpool. Jamal Musiala is another talent I rate highly," he said.
Wirtz, who made the high-profile move to Liverpool last summer, carries enormous expectations on his shoulders at just 22 years old. Asamoah clearly believes the talent is real, even if the season at club level has not always reflected it.
Musiala, meanwhile, remains one of the most gifted players of his generation. A player whose close control, creativity and composure in tight spaces make him a genuine match-winner. Together, the two represent Germany's most compelling attacking proposition and, Asamoah suggests, a reason to never write Die Mannschaft off entirely.
The African wildcard: Senegal over Morocco
With 10 African nations in the tournament, Asamoah, a man who holds Ghana close to his heart despite his German career, was asked which of the continent's representatives could cause the biggest upset.
"It's not just about individuals, the unity in that team is special," he said.
"Players like Kalidou Koulibaly have been key, and even though it's unclear how long some of their stars will remain, that spirit keeps them competitive. Morocco also have a very strong team, but if I had to pick one African side that could surprise again, I would go with Senegal."
Morocco reached the semi-finals in Qatar and have lost little of the structural strength that made them the tournament's great story in 2022. But Asamoah's point about Senegal's collective spirit is well made.
A man between two worlds
Asamoah's perspective on this World Cup carries a weight that few analysts can match. He is the man who once made Ghanaian families in Germany proud by running out in a German shirt, who scored on his international debut and who spent the best part of a decade defying both racism and a serious heart condition to represent a country that was not always quick to fully embrace him.
Now at 47, working in football administration, he watches the summer approaching with the enthusiasm of someone who never quite stopped being a player.
France and Spain as his favourites. Germany as the dark horse. Wirtz as the name to remember. Senegal as the African wildcard.
The World Cup is nearly here. And Gerald Asamoah, as ever, is watching closely.
