Leroy Sané silences critics with stunning performance! German Media rave: 'Breathtaking, passionate, crazy'

The German international, who had previously been heavily criticized after his move to Turkey and even left out of the national squad, delivered back-to-back sensational performances that stunned everyone.

Sané had already impressed against Luxembourg, but his display against Slovakia was on another level. Starting in the XI and playing the full 90 minutes, he scored two goals in the first half and added an assist after the break, putting on one of his finest ever national team performances.

Germany finished the group with 15 points, securing direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Slovakia, remaining on 12 points, will head to the play-offs.

Germany’s goals were scored by Nick Woltemade (18’), Serge Gnabry (29’), Leroy Sané (35’, 41’), Ridle Baku (67’), and Assan Ouedraogo (79’).

Nagelsmann’s Comments Answered on the Pitch

Sané had been left out of Germany’s squad against Northern Ireland, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann commenting:

“Sané is now playing in a league that is slightly below Europe’s top level. He needs to show more. He scored and assisted in the last match, but he needs time to fully get into the game.”

Sané’s responses — first against Luxembourg, then even more emphatically against Slovakia — were delivered on the field, not in words.

German Media Reaction: Praise Across the Board

Sané’s 2-goal, 1-assist masterclass made huge headlines in Germany. Here are the highlights:

Spiegel: “Sané’s day: We haven’t seen something like this in a long time.”

“Sané acted as the team’s thermometer, dictating the performance level. No delayed dribbling, no hesitating — just pure confidence. Two goals before halftime. He played with an unbelievable level of self-belief.”

N-TV: “From lack of love to full enjoyment — Sané shines.”

“Under pressure from Nagelsmann, Sané delivered extraordinary performances in crucial qualifiers. Against Slovakia, he played with such passion that it was breathtaking — even crazy.

In 180 minutes, he transformed from a last-resort option to a genuine World Cup contender.”

EuroSport.de: “Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sané — two stars reborn.”

“Despite criticism after his move to Galatasaray, Sané proved his class. His 30-meter pass and brilliant finish showcased his regained brilliance. Even his defensive work deserved praise.”

RAN: “Leroy Sané had a magnificent day.”

“He made run after run on the right flank and scored twice — his 15th and 16th international goals. After halftime, he was involved in almost every dangerous attack and assisted Ouedraogo with a clever back-heel.”

Süddeutsche Zeitung: “As everyone expected: Sané sends Germany to the World Cup.”

“Two goals, perfect positioning, constant threat. In this form, he is a true weapon.”

Die Zeit:

“He worked hard throughout the match, and after scoring the 3–0 goal, everything clicked. Five minutes later came his second.”

Sportschau:

“He crowned his return to the national team with two brilliant goals. Both finishes showed his exceptional class — a perfect touch, a perfect volley, a perfect performance.”

Sport1:

“Two goals! After these performances, he is almost guaranteed to be in the March training camp squad. His runs, timing, finishing — world-class. And he topped it off with an assist.”

Stuttgarter Nachrichten:

“Sané shone with two goals. He exploited the right flank superbly and became Germany’s biggest advantage on the pitch.”

Express:

“From the first minute, he played with passion. Two goals in five minutes — the perfect answer to his critics — plus a back-heel assist for the final goal.”