The list of names makes up Hansi Flick's first squad list of 2025, which is currently causing quite a debate on social media. Pau Víctor, Dani Olmo, and an unknown third important player are absent from the list, which has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations to understand what led to such decisions in the first place. Here’s what we know so far about this out-of-nowhere lineup.
What Happened?
The announcement, which was made through an official press release and distributed on German Football Federation social media channels, predictably became a trending news item. While the team has been without Spanish star Dani Olmo, who has been in terrific form, and Pau Víctor, almost more surprising is who is not in the squad. One key player is unnamed, and a third key player is actually omitted altogether.
Flick made the decision to leave these players off his roster — with only Harold Moukoudi being more of a cost, as he has been released to travel to Japan but content with him not playing and allowing the other four listed players to also do what they wish and play — and it is an eyebrow raiser considering the contribution of these players to their clubs and nations recently.
Now, fans and analysts are left wondering if these omissions are due to injuries, tactical preferences or disciplinary matters.
Reactions on Social Media
Social media lit up with reactions from fans, journalists and even other players.
Twitter: The tag #FlickLista2025 began trending almost immediately after the announcement. Fans took to social media to criticize the omissions, with one user writing:
(“Not in Olmo and Pau Víctor? Flick must be planning to either shock us all... or let us all down. #FlickLista2025"
Instagram: Fan pages and soccer accounts posted memes of the surprising formation, with one caption reading:
“When you find out Flick’s crew has more tricks than a Netflix plot twist.”
Facebook Groups: Theories poured in on sports discussion groups, with some people theorizing that Flick could be testing new strategies before future tournaments.
Funny Reactions and Memes
Because the internet is the internet, some fans responded by poking fun at the situation:
Memes showing photoshopped images of Olmo on a beach sipping cocktails went viral under the text “Olmo vacationing instead of training for the national team.”
“Flick’s new squad strategy: confuse everyone, also the opponents” joke caught on, pointing to the randomness of the coach’s actions.
Why They Did Leave Out Potential Reasons
The precise reasons are unclear, but here are some reasons why:
Injuries/Fitness Problems: Olmo and Pau Víctor have had small fitness problems before, which can also be the reason.
Tactical Experimentation: Flick could be testing out different formations or providing chances to younger players.
Personal Matters: Individual situations may affect their unavailability as well.
Concerns Fans Have Regarding the Squad’s Performance
Fans are concerned what this absence will mean for the team during important matches in the coming weeks. With key players absent, it will now be up to the rest of the squad to churn out results. Flick has been criticized for taking a risk, but others have suggested it might be a calculated risk to test the team’s depth.
Key Players Who Made the List
Although many of the headlines have come from the omissions, it is worth noting the key players who did make the squad:
On the Lineup—The Return of a Veteran—Thomas Müller
- Kai Havertz: A utility man, Havertz will have a major part in the new plan.
- Jamal Musiala: The rising star keeps shinning and should feature prominently in Flick’s ideas.
Upcoming Matches to Watch
Germany’s remaining games will play a major part in discerning Flick’s plan going forward, and how the new roster cope without Olmo and Pau Víctor. As soon as the fixtures are out, fans cannot wait to see how the team will cope with conditions.
Conclusion
This first squad list of 2025 from Hansi Flick has definitely caused a stir for multiple reasons: The surprising exclusion of Dani Olmo, Pau Víctor, and another key player has left fans scratching their heads. As the debates rage on social media, though, one thing is certain: All eyes will be on Germany’s forthcoming matches to find out if Flick’s decisions pay off.
What do you make of Flick’s squad? Let us know in the comments! And use #FlickLista2025 on Twitter and Instagram!
