- Pascal Gross officially named in Germany World Cup squad
- Former Brighton striker Deniz Undav also included by Germany
- Seagulls fans celebrate major recognition for club legend
Pascal Gross has officially been named in Germany’s World Cup squad and for Brighton supporters it feels like a moment that has been years in the making.
The Seagulls midfielder has completed a remarkable return to the international stage after forcing his way back into Julian Nagelsmann’s plans with a string of outstanding performances since rejoining Brighton from Borussia Dortmund earlier this year.
What was once speculation has now become reality. Gross is heading to the World Cup with Germany after earning his place through consistency, leadership and another excellent season in the Premier League.
For many Albion fans, it is overdue recognition for one of the club’s greatest modern servants.
Brighton form earns Gross his Germany World Cup chance
Gross has been instrumental since returning to the Amex and his influence under Fabian Hurzeler quickly made him impossible for Germany to ignore.
Performances such as Brighton’s 2-1 win over Liverpool highlighted exactly why the midfielder remained firmly in the international conversation, with Gross controlling the game alongside James Milner in another polished display.
The 34-year-old has featured heavily throughout the season and once again shown why he remains one of the Premier League’s most intelligent and reliable midfielders.
His ability to play across multiple positions gives Germany an experienced and tactically flexible option heading into the biggest tournament in football.
With Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan no longer part of the international set-up, Germany were always going to need experienced midfielders capable of bringing composure and leadership on the biggest stage.
Gross fits that profile perfectly.
Read more: Why Pascal Gross could decide Brighton’s European fate against Manchester United
Gross finally secures his Germany World Cup spot
Since making his Germany debut in 2023, Gross has earned 16 caps and scored one international goal.
That strike against Greece in June 2024 saw him become Germany’s second-oldest goalscorer behind Richard Kress and underlined just how unusual his rise to the top level has been.
At Brighton though, his quality has never been questioned.
Gross has twice won Brighton’s Player of the Year award and helped drive the club’s rise from Championship hopefuls into an established Premier League force.
Now he has the chance to add a World Cup chapter to that story.
Former Brighton striker Deniz Undav also included
Gross is not the only former Brighton player heading to the tournament.
Ex-Seagulls striker Deniz Undav has also been included after an exceptional campaign with VfB Stuttgart.
The forward has scored 21 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions and sits behind only Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts this season.
Undav originally joined Brighton from Belgian side Union SG in a £6 million move in 2022 before later joining Stuttgart permanently in a £25 million deal.
Also read: “He will be out” — Brighton confirm Kaoru Mitoma injury blow ahead of Leeds clash
A proud moment for Brighton supporters
For Brighton fans, this squad announcement feels bigger than just another international call-up.
Gross has been central to some of the greatest years in the club’s history and seeing him rewarded with a place in Germany’s World Cup squad is another landmark moment in an already remarkable Albion career.
From the Championship to the World Cup, Pascal Gross’ football story keeps getting better.
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