Germany's World Cup standout Felix Nmecha is not homophobic or transphobic, the president of the German Football Association (DFB) said on Monday.
The midfielder's Christian faith has been the subject of focus after he led a prayer circle on the pitch alongside teammate Jonathan Tah and opposition players following his impressive performance in the 7-1 victory over Curaçao last week.
Some Borussia Dortmund supporters opposed Nmecha's signing from Wolfsburg in 2023 over content he shared on social media that was seen as homophobic and transphobic.
Nmecha, a devout Christian, defended himself against the allegations and denied discriminating against anyone.
"We followed this coverage within the DFB at the time, and we heard his comments on the matter," the association's head Bernd Neuendorf told broadcaster RTL. "He has set the record straight, clearly stated his position and distanced himself from such allegations of homophobia."
Neuendorf affirmed that he believes the 25-year-old. "From what I know of him and my experience of him, that’s how I see it," he said.
Nmecha is vocal in his Christian beliefs on social media and posted "Thank you Jesus" on Instagram following Germany's World Cup opener against Curaçao, in which he scored the first goal and earned a penalty.
Footage of the prayer circle after the match caused a stir on social media, but Neuendorf played down any concerns.
"I also believe that what is happening here – the profession of faith in God, so to speak, this faith that he embodies and expresses here – incidentally, together with other players from other teams, but also alongside Jonathan Tah – is perhaps a little unusual for some people in a secular world," said Neuendorf.
