by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Just hearing his name mentioned alongside superstar Cristiano Ronaldo always brings an excited laugh from Nick Woltemade.
While past comparisons often came from teasing friends, the 23-year-old German international rookie is now set to meet the Portuguese superstar in person this Wednesday evening on the Munich pitch during the UEFA Nations League semifinal.
As a fan of CR7, the Stuttgart striker might have to decide which is the greater wonder: playing against his idol or making his debut in the German shirt.
Following a breathtaking journey over the past 12 months, the German fans' newest favorite is likely to make it into the 2014 FIFA World Champions starting eleven.
Comparisons seem insufficient and stem from youthful joking, after the German striker won his first career title, the 2025 German Cup, just a few days ago.
Despite his rapid rise, the lanky forward appears relaxed and free of any overconfidence. While CR7 has amassed countless titles and, at 40, still delivers top-tier performances, Woltemade only played in the third division in 2023 with Elversberg.
Yet, transitioning from the Stuttgart bench into the German squad has turned the young talent into a crowd favorite.
Supporters gather around the German team's training camp in Herzogenaurach, home to adidas, hoping for autographs. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, especially when Woltemade performs a surprising move on the pitch.
"He is far from a header monster, and there is space for improvement. But if he manages to close the gaps, he is ahead of a great career," German striker icon and sporting director Rui Voller said.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann is talking about "exceptional skills."
For most, it appears like a circus act to see the 1.98-meter-tall footballer protecting the ball and, in surprising moves, escaping opponents' attacks.
Recent media reports indicate Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are interested in the young attacker, who is set to participate with the German A-team in the Nations League, followed shortly by the UEFA U-21 European Championship in Slovakia.
Woltemade spoke about "unforgettable moments" when harvesting the 2025 German Cup with his club but is currently restricted from media activities by the German association.
Nothing should distract him from his concentration.
Having taken a 1-0 lead (4-2) against Bielefeld in the Berlin final seemed to be the ultimate proof of his mental strength and skills, as he successfully finished a direct run toward the goal.
"He is a grounded fellow, clever and smart," former Bremen teammate and current West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug said.
"It has been a crazy past twelve months, I had hoped for just that, but I worked hard for it and do everything I can to keep on track," Woltemade said a few weeks ago.
As it seems, it's the right time to meet his youth idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. ■
