Dennis Schröder, the golden age: « I want to play with Germany until I’m 40! »
Sept 15, 2025
Alexandre Lacoste
Franz Wagner: « You need to be a special team to win twice »
EuroBasket - Franz Wagner and Germany won EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, two years after their world title. The Orlando Magic forward, selected in the tournament's best five, reflects on this second consecutive title and the impact of Dennis Schröder, the true leader of the team.
Photo Credit : Lilian Bordron
After the 2023 World Cup in Manila, Germany secured another gold medal this Sunday, September 14th in Riga by defeating Turkey 88-83 in the EuroBasket 2025 final. Scoring 18 points (including 14 in the first half), Franz Wagner (2.08m, 24 years old) confirmed his status again, averaging 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists in the tournament.
« We never stop, we stay together »
Against Turkey, Germany had to reverse a momentum that seemed to be shifting towards Ergin Ataman’s team. « They made some great plays, but today we played 40 minutes. When things don’t go your way, you don’t stop and you stay together. The guys made big plays in crucial moments, and that’s why we won, » explains Wagner.
A collective celebration and a message for German basketball
The Magic forward didn’t hide his pride after this new triumph: « We’re going to celebrate together. It’s super cool, it means a lot, not just for me but for all of German basketball. »
That’s what brothers do. 🥹❤️
Franz Wagner wearing Moritz’s jersey to receive his #EuroBasket All-Star five award. pic.twitter.com/KjrQWkYGQi
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 14, 2025
Wearing his injured and absent brother Moritz’s jersey, he insisted: « Everyone on the team believes he’s part of what we’re building. He needed to be represented today. »
Schröder, a leader sometimes misunderstood
Asked about Dennis Schröder, Wagner emphasized his historic importance: « No German player has done what he accomplished. He won three medals, including two gold ones, he plays very well in the NBA, he fought and always knew how to face adversity. He’s a huge role model for many young people in Germany, even if he’s sometimes misunderstood. »
Comparing World Cup and EuroBasket
For Wagner, this double has a special flavor: « The World Cup was special, it was the first time we won it. But winning another title when everyone expects you to deliver is even more difficult. You need to be a special team to do it twice. »
In Riga,
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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