Germany Coach’s Partner Becomes the World Cup’s Latest Sideline Distraction

Julian Nagelsmann’s partner, former journalist Lena Wurzenberger, has become an unusually visible presence around Germany’s World Cup camp in North Carolina, according to Bild. While the team prepares for its second match of the tournament against Ivory Coast on Saturday night, she has reportedly been seen regularly around the training base, including watching sessions, returning to the team hotel with Nagelsmann, and riding to a morning practice with him. Bild said no previous “first lady” of Germany had been so prominent.

Her visibility has sparked unease inside the squad. Local reporters quoted concerns that it feels uncomfortable when the coach’s partner is in the room, because players cannot speak as freely about the manager. Wurzenberger is also expected to sit directly behind Germany’s bench for today’s match in Toronto, across the border from North Carolina.

Former Germany star Lothar Matthaus also criticized the situation, saying on German television that her frequent appearances are not ideal. He argued that players’ families may visit on days off, but the same standard should apply to the coach’s partner, adding that solidarity should not mean different rules for the manager.

Nagelsmann and Wurzenberger began dating in 2022, shortly after he separated from his wife Verena after 15 years together. At the time, he was coaching Bayern Munich and she covered the club for Bild, which later ran a headline announcing that Nagelsmann was in love with a Bild reporter. The relationship later coincided with leaks from Bayern’s dressing room before Nagelsmann was dismissed in March 2023, though there is no evidence Wurzenberger was the source. She later left journalism for a communications job at BMW. The couple now appear almost inseparable, and after Germany wins, Nagelsmann is known to climb into the stands for a kiss, with Wurzenberger often wearing a Germany shirt and face paint. Germany will be looking to secure a place in the knockout rounds, and if Wurzenberger is indeed a lucky charm, she is likely to be in the stands again in Houston.