🤯 Criticised German star silences haters with stunning volley

Antonio Rüdiger – actually considered a regular center-back in the German national team – has once again had to endure quite a bit of criticism in recent months. This is partly because the defender doesn’t always have himself fully under control and occasionally draws attention with unsportsmanlike actions.

Recently, national coach Julian Nagelsmann also left it open in an interview with ‘Kicker’ whether Rüdiger would regain his former status as the undisputed defensive leader with a view to the World Cup this summer.

This certainly also has to do with the injuries that kept Real’s defender out last year and this year.

Nagelsmann said a lot would depend on his performance. And it seems that the DFB player has taken these words to heart.

Currently, Real Madrid is playing against FC Elche and needs a win to keep the pressure on league leaders Barca, who will only be in action tomorrow, Sunday. If the Royals win and the Flick team loses, the gap would shrink to just one point.

Real is currently on a good path to getting the job done, and that’s partly thanks to Antonio Rüdiger . After a free kick, the Elche keeper spilled the ball forward, and a failed clearance attempt landed directly at Rüdiger’s feet.

– Saturday, 14 March 2026

He blasted the ball into the left corner with a spectacular volley on his first touch. With his first goal of the season, he gave his team a significant boost.

Shortly after, teammate Valverde followed up with a stroke of genius and sealed Real’s lead at halftime.

If Nagelsmann really does base his decisions on performance, Rüdiger – depending on his performances in the coming months – could be well on his way to reclaiming his status as defensive leader. After all, if you want to become world champion, having defenders who can score goals certainly doesn’t hurt.

What do you think? Is Rüdiger the undisputed regular starter in the DFB team? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Florencia Tan Jun - 2026 Getty Images