WOMEN WOMEN
Lena Wurzenberger’s presence sparks debate as Germany beat Ivory Coast
Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in New York eased pressure on Julian Nagelsmann, whose partner Lena Wurzenberger has become a focal point of media attention during the World Cup. The Mannschaft’s win came after a nervy start against Curaçao, where Wurzenberger sat in a VIP seat behind the dugout rather than with the players’ partners.
Lena Wurzenberger, a former journalist for -Zeitung, resigned from her role after falling in love with Nagelsmann, then Bayern München’s head coach. She has since accompanied him to the United States, where she cycles to training alongside him each morning, a routine that falls outside standard protocol. The German Football Association has not clarified whether she had an exclusive viewing spot for the Ivory Coast match.
German media has amplified the debate. described her as ‘the most present First Lady of the DFB in history,’ while the labeled her ‘the most controversial WAG of the tournament.’ Former player Lothar Matthäus publicly criticized her visibility, stating, ‘Lena appears too much in the picture.’
Nagelsmann, visibly animated during the match, later admitted frustration with Ivory Coast’s theatrics and referee decisions. His tactical changes, including the introduction of Deniz Undav, turned the game in Germany’s favor. Undav scored twice after coming on, securing the win that kept Germany’s World Cup hopes alive.
The couple’s unorthodox approach extends beyond the pitch. During a 2023 ski trip to Austria’s Zillertal, Nagelsmann provoked Bayern München’s leadership by taking time off with Wurzenberger, a move that coincided with his eventual dismissal. Uli Hoeneß later defended Nagelsmann, calling the decision premature and emphasizing his coaching talent over perceived character flaws.