Firsts, premieres and debuts – even Germany internationals and World Champions started small. How? Where? When Why? Their first coach, their first position, their first goal, their first title – every day over the next week or so, a DFB-Team player will name their top ten personal firsts here on DFB.de. Today is the turn of World Cup winner Christoph Kramer.
My first kit: It was an Edgar Davids one that my parents bought for me in Mallorca. I must have been seven at the time. I thought he was cool because he wore sunglasses.
My first club: BV Gräfrath – a club in North Solingen. It was simply one that was close by. I counted all my goals in my first season. Including indoor tournaments, it was 327.
My first coach: My first coach was a woman: Monika Heidrich. She had a large hand in my career as she’s the first coach responsible for whether you enjoy playing football or not. She made football fun for me.
My first game: I can’t remember my first game for Gräfrath anymore. I still have detailed memories of my first game for Bayer Levekrusen though. I was seven years old, which must have been the F3 age group. We played against MSV Duisburg and we won 5-3. I scored two goals in that game.
My first position: I was a typical number nine to begin with and later played in various positions, even at centre back. I then stayed in midfield.
My first role model: Giovane Elber. I just found him amazing, particularly on the pitch. But most of all, he was laid-back, always geared up and happy.
My first trip to a stadium: It was definitely for Bayer Leverkusen. I often walked on with the players or was a ball boy when I was young. I still remember the Bayer 04 vs. Deportivo La Coruña match. It finished 3-0 and Zé Roberto scored an incredible free kick.
My first professional game: It was for Bochum in Düsseldorf on 18th July 2011. I was subbed on for Andreas Johansson in the second half. We lost the game but it was an unforgettable experience for me nonetheless.
My first professional goal: It was a really special one and it was even selected as Goal of the Month. I scored the goal to make it 4-2 for Bochum against Greuther Fürth. I had seven players on me, or maybe it was twelve. Anyway, I got past them and put the ball in the net. I’ll never score another goal as good as that.
My first international: That came against Poland in Hamburg shortly before the World Cup. I’m really proud of it, regardless of what the squad situation was like and regardless of how many established players were missing. It was really fun to be a part of that team and play for Germany. It fulfilled a lifelong dream for me.
created by mmc/ot
Firsts, premieres and debuts – even Germany internationals and World Champions started small. How? Where? When Why? Their first coach, their first position, their first goal, their first title – every day over the next week or so, a DFB-Team player will name their top ten personal firsts here on DFB.de. Today is the turn of World Cup winner Christoph Kramer.
My first kit: It was an Edgar Davids one that my parents bought for me in Mallorca. I must have been seven at the time. I thought he was cool because he wore sunglasses.
My first club: BV Gräfrath – a club in North Solingen. It was simply one that was close by. I counted all my goals in my first season. Including indoor tournaments, it was 327.
My first coach: My first coach was a woman: Monika Heidrich. She had a large hand in my career as she’s the first coach responsible for whether you enjoy playing football or not. She made football fun for me.
My first game: I can’t remember my first game for Gräfrath anymore. I still have detailed memories of my first game for Bayer Levekrusen though. I was seven years old, which must have been the F3 age group. We played against MSV Duisburg and we won 5-3. I scored two goals in that game.
My first position: I was a typical number nine to begin with and later played in various positions, even at centre back. I then stayed in midfield.
My first role model: Giovane Elber. I just found him amazing, particularly on the pitch. But most of all, he was laid-back, always geared up and happy.
My first trip to a stadium: It was definitely for Bayer Leverkusen. I often walked on with the players or was a ball boy when I was young. I still remember the Bayer 04 vs. Deportivo La Coruña match. It finished 3-0 and Zé Roberto scored an incredible free kick.
My first professional game: It was for Bochum in Düsseldorf on 18th July 2011. I was subbed on for Andreas Johansson in the second half. We lost the game but it was an unforgettable experience for me nonetheless.
My first professional goal: It was a really special one and it was even selected as Goal of the Month. I scored the goal to make it 4-2 for Bochum against Greuther Fürth. I had seven players on me, or maybe it was twelve. Anyway, I got past them and put the ball in the net. I’ll never score another goal as good as that.
My first international: That came against Poland in Hamburg shortly before the World Cup. I’m really proud of it, regardless of what the squad situation was like and regardless of how many established players were missing. It was really fun to be a part of that team and play for Germany. It fulfilled a lifelong dream for me.
