Augsburg’s Noakhai Banks has switched his international loyalty to Germany, after earlier representing the United States at youth level.
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Nineteen-year-old Banks was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and previously represented the United States at U17, U19 and U20 level, amassing a combined 12 caps. In September 2025, he was an unused substitute for Mauricio Pochettino’s senior team in a friendly against Japan.
Twelve months later, he accepted a Germany U21 call-up, making his debut in a 4-1 victory over Malta in UEFA European Championship qualifying. Nevertheless, he was still eligible to play for the USA, having not made a senior appearance for either country.
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Banks represented Germany for the first and so far only time at U21 level in September 2026. – IMAGO/DOMENIC AQUILINA –>
During half‑time of Augsburg’s Matchday 7 clash with Union Berlin, Banks told Sky he’ll now don the German shirt.
“My choice is final—I’m German now,” he said. “We discussed it at length with my family, and missing the World Cup for the US mattered. I grew up here, I feel German, and I want the eagle on my chest.”
Born in America but raised in Stuttgart, Banks debuted for Augsburg against VfB Stuttgart in January 2025 and has logged 36 appearances, scoring once. For my money, his development gives Germany a solid defensive option.
Though sidelined by a knee injury, the defender hopes new boss Jürgen Klopp notices him as Germany searches the right lineup after rotating 42 players in four games. Will he break into the squad for the November matches versus Serbia and the Netherlands?
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