Völler Reveals Insightful News About Adeyemi
Rudi Völler Breaks Silence on Karim Adeyemi After 6–0 Win Against Slovakia
DFB team manager Rudi Völler (65) has finally spoken out about the situation surrounding Karim Adeyemi (23) after Germany’s emphatic 6–0 victory over Slovakia, a win that officially sealed their ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Despite being listed in the matchday squad, the Borussia Dortmund winger did not feature in the game, raising questions among fans and reporters.
The absence comes after Adeyemi found himself at the center of controversy. Earlier this week, it became public that the player had accepted a €450,000 fine for illegal possession of weapons, including a knuckle duster and a Taser. Though the fine closed the legal matter, it triggered heavy debate regarding professionalism and responsibility among national-team players.
Völler Explains the Decision
Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Völler addressed the situation clearly:
“Karim made a serious mistake. He knows that. But he has taken responsibility, and that’s important. Today’s decision was about stability and focus.”
Völler emphasized that leaving Adeyemi on the bench was not a punitive measure but rather a strategic choice, given the sensitive timing and the significance of the qualification match. He added:
“He is an important player for our future. But right now, he must stay concentrated and avoid unnecessary distractions.”
What’s Next for Adeyemi?
Inside the DFB, the belief is that Adeyemi’s national-team future is not in danger. However, he is expected to show discipline, maturity, and improved decision-making. Germany sees him as a high-potential attacker, but consistency on and off the pitch will be essential.
A Night of Celebration—and Questions
While Germany celebrated a stunning 6–0 goal fest, the spotlight partially shifted to Adeyemi’s situation. Still, Völler remains confident:
“This will pass. Karim will come back stronger.”
Völler Confirms Adeyemi Did Not Inform DFB About €450,000 Fine
New details have emerged regarding Karim Adeyemi’s €450,000 weapons fine, and DFB team manager Rudi Völler has now confirmed that the national team staff was kept completely in the dark.
Adeyemi, who played in Germany’s recent World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg, was issued 60 daily fines of €7,500, totaling €450,000, for illegal possession of a knuckle duster and a Taser. According to the public prosecutor’s office, the penalty order became legally binding on October 30.
Speaking on ZDF after Germany’s dominant 6–0 win over Slovakia, Völler explained how the DFB first learned about the case:
“Of course we didn’t know. The day after the game in Luxembourg, Lars Ricken called me and informed me. He didn’t know everything either,” Völler said.
Völler added that he and Julian Nagelsmann immediately confronted Adeyemi to hear his version of events:
“We grabbed Karim and wanted to hear his side of the story. He tried to explain it to us—more or less.”
While the sporting staff was surprised, Völler emphasized that the matter is now being handled internally. Adeyemi’s national-team future is not in danger, but the DFB expects greater responsibility going forwar
Völler Defends Adeyemi but Calls His Actions “Naive or Stupid”
DFB team manager Rudi Völler has expanded on the controversy surrounding Karim Adeyemi, after it was revealed that the Borussia Dortmund winger received a €450,000 fine for illegal possession of a knuckle duster and a Taser. The fine—60 daily rates of €7,500 each—became legally binding on October 30, according to the public prosecutor’s office.
Völler reiterated that the DFB was unaware of the legal case until BVB sporting director Lars Ricken contacted him the day after Germany’s match in Luxembourg. Following the news, Völler and national coach Julian Nagelsmann met with Adeyemi to hear his explanation.
Speaking on ZDF, Völler said the association will not publicly discuss all details, emphasizing that the issue must be handled together with Borussia Dortmund.
“We still have the feeling that the lad is developing exceptionally well in the national team,” Völler noted.
“We also live in a time of outrage culture here in Germany, as I already noticed with Toni Rüdiger. Everyone is quick to complain—not that I want to sugarcoat things. What he did is not right.”
Völler stressed that Adeyemi’s behavior was a mistake:
“I’ve always told him that. It’s naive or stupid, whatever you want to call it.”
Despite the incident, Völler made it clear that the 23-year-old remains an important part of Germany’s long-term plans, provided he shows greater responsibility moving forward.
