Muhammed Damar on Germany U21 goal companion: “I didn’t want him celebrating alone.”

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VfL Wolfsburg attacker Muhammed Damar provided one of the most memorable moments of Germany U21’s spirited defeat against Belgium in Essen on Friday evening. The 22-year-old’s clever free-kick equalizer in the 25th minute was impressive enough, but his subsequent celebration also featured an unexpected participant.

As Get German Football News reported in its match coverage and player ratings, Damar delivered an outstanding individual performance in his first U21 appearance in over a year. The Wolfsburg professional scored Germany’s only goal, struck the crossbar twice, and earned GGFN‘s Player of the Match award.

Following his equalizer, Damar celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates and members of the coaching staff. Amid the excitement, the Berlin native also found time to involve a ball boy stationed near the pitch. The youngster suddenly found himself caught up in the celebrations as Damar pulled him into the festivities.

Speaking to GGFN and other journalists in the mixed zone after the match, Damar was asked about the amusing interaction. His explanation was as straightforward as it was endearing.

“He was simply there,” Damar explained with a smile. “He was celebrating with us. And I didn’t want him celebrating on his own, but with us. So I just grabbed him. I love things like that.”

The exchange provided a lighthearted footnote to an otherwise frustrating evening for the German juniors. Belgium ultimately emerged victorious, but Damar’s return to the national team produced plenty of reasons to smile.

For one particularly fortunate ball boy, it also meant an unexpected opportunity to celebrate a Germany goal alongside the player who scored it.

The fact that the young boy happened to resemble Damar and sport his very same hairstyle proved nothing more than a coincidence.

GGFN | Peter Weis