Bender brothers, Meyer make Germany squad for Olympics

Germany have named Sven and Lars Bender in their squad for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next month.

The midfield twins, who ply their trade with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, will take two of the overage spots in coach Horst Hrubesch's 18-man set-up. Freiburg striker Nils Petersen takes the third.

Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter, a World Cup-winner two years ago, is also included.

There are places for Germany Under-21 captain Leon Goretzka, rising Schalke star Max Meyer and Arsenal's Serge Gnabry, along with goalkeeper Timo Horn, who has been linked with Liverpool.

"The anticipation ahead of the Olympics is huge," Hrubesch told German Football Association (DFB) official website.

"This is a unique experience that the players will be able to tell their grandchildren about.

"We have a good mix, from the current U-21 national team and the older players. The quality is absolutely great. We go to Brazil to win every game."

Germany are taking part in their first Olympic football tournament since 1988.

They begin their campaign against Mexico in Salvador on August 4.

 

SQUAD IN FULL:

Goalkeepers: Timo Horn (Cologne), Jannik Huth (Mainz)

Defenders: Robert Bauer (Ingolstadt), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund), Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig), Philipp Max (Augsburg), Niklas Sule, Jeremy Toljan (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders/Forwards: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Sven Bender (Borussia Dortmund), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Max Christiansen (Ingolstadt), Serge Gnabry (Arsenal), Leon Goretzka, Max Meyer (Schalke), Nils Petersen (Freiburg), Grischa Promel (Karlsruher), Davie Selke (RB Leipzig)

Standby list: Leonardo Bittencourt (Cologne), Christian Gunter, Sebastian Kerk (Freiburg), Eric Oelschlagel (Werder Bremen)

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed