“That gives me strength”
Florian Wirtz carries a special message at the World Cup
May 28, 2026 – 7:42 a.mReading time: 1 min.
Florian Wirtz starts the World Cup with a personal lucky charm. This is written on the sole of his football boot.
At the start of the World Cup preparations, 23-year-old national player Florian Wirtz revealed what will accompany him at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The names of his siblings, parents and friends are written on the sole of his new football boots – a birthday present that he takes with him to the World Cup as a personal source of strength.
Wirtz explained this at a joint PR meeting with teammate Nick Woltemade for DFB partner Adidas in Herzogenaurach: “I recently got new soccer shoes for my birthday. All of my siblings, my parents and my friends’ names are on the sole. That’s something I’m taking with me to the World Cup. It reminds me of my closest people and gives me strength.”
At the same appointment, both of them also answered questions from some children – including questions about their favorite players from their own youth. Wirtz replied: “Mine was Lionel Messi.” The 24-year-old Woltemade named another: “Mine was actually always Neymar.”
During the course of the tournament, the duo could meet both idols. After the group phase, a meeting with defending champion Argentina for the 38-year-old Messi or with record world champions Brazil for the 34-year-old Neymar would be possible.
