Jürgen Klopp's first game as Germany manager produced plenty of talking points, but one of the most surprising was the international debut of Philipp Treu. The 25-year-old SC Freiburg right-back was handed a starting place against the Netherlands in the Nations League, marking the beginning of what could become an important international career.
Treu was one of the surprise selections in Klopp's first Germany squad, but his inclusion was far from random. The defender had enjoyed an excellent start to the 2026/27 season with Freiburg, earning Klopp's attention after a remarkable run of form. He then delivered an impressive performance in Germany's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, immediately strengthening his case for a regular role. So, who exactly is Philipp Treu?
Who is Philipp Treu?
Born on December 3, 2000, in Heidelberg, Germany, Treu is a right-back who currently plays for SC Freiburg. At 25, he is something of a late bloomer at the international level, having never previously represented Germany's senior team.
His footballing education began in the youth systems of SV Sandhausen and 1. FC Kaiserslautern before he joined RB Leipzig in 2015. Treu subsequently moved to Freiburg in 2017, where he continued his development and eventually progressed into the club's second team.
However, becoming a Bundesliga player was not an overnight process.
Treu spent several seasons playing for Freiburg II, including in the 3. Liga, before leaving the club for FC St Pauli in 2023. That move proved crucial to his development.
His rise at St Pauli
Treu joined St Pauli ahead of the 2023/24 season and immediately became an important part of the club's promotion campaign.
During his first season in Hamburg, he contributed a goal and two assists as St Pauli won promotion to the Bundesliga. He then helped the club survive its first season back in Germany's top flight, making 33 Bundesliga appearances and registering two assists.
Those performances eventually convinced Freiburg to bring him back.
The club re-signed Treu in the summer of 2025, giving him another opportunity to establish himself at the highest level.
That decision has worked extremely well for both player and club.
Why did Klopp select Philipp Treu?
Treu's performances for Freiburg made him difficult for Klopp to ignore.
He played 28 Bundesliga matches during the 2025/26 campaign and was also heavily involved in Freiburg's European run, featuring in all but one match as the club reached the Europa League final.
His start to the 2026/27 campaign was even more impressive.
Freiburg began the season in excellent form, and Treu's performances were among the reasons for their strong start. Klopp even held a video call with the defender before selecting him, giving the new Germany manager an opportunity to get to know his surprise candidate.
Klopp's decision was also influenced by a long-standing problem for Germany: the right-back position.
Germany have struggled to find a convincing long-term solution in that position, with Joshua Kimmich frequently having to move between midfield and defence. Treu's emergence could allow Kimmich to remain in midfield while providing Germany with a natural right-back.
What type of player is Treu?
Treu is an energetic, attack-minded full-back who combines defensive responsibility with a willingness to push forward.
His biggest strengths are his running power, intensity and ability to contribute to attacks from wide areas. He is also comfortable making aggressive forward runs and getting involved in build-up play.
Those characteristics were particularly visible during his Germany debut.
Against the Netherlands, Treu played the full 90 minutes and repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to get forward while remaining disciplined defensively. His performance was praised by Germany teammate Jonathan Tah, who singled him out after the match.
Klopp was equally impressed, describing the debut as an exceptional performance and suggesting that Treu could develop into a long-term solution at right-back.
Philipp Treu's Germany debut
He started at right-back alongside Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Nathaniel Brown, with Kimmich operating in defensive midfield. The match eventually finished 1-1, but Treu emerged as one of Germany's biggest positives.
It was also a significant milestone in German football history: Treu became the 992nd player to represent the country's senior men's national team.
For the defender himself, the moment was understandably emotional.
After the match, Treu spoke about his pride at making his debut while admitting some disappointment that Germany had failed to win. He also received considerable encouragement from his teammates, particularly Tah.
Could Treu become Germany's long-term right-back?
That is now the bigger question.
One performance is not enough to guarantee a starting position, particularly for a major football nation such as Germany. However, Treu could hardly have made a better first impression.
He has arrived at the international level at the perfect time. Germany are searching for stability at right-back, while Klopp is actively experimenting with his squad ahead of Euro 2028.
Treu's age could also work in his favour. At 25, he is experienced enough to handle top-level football but still has several years ahead of him at his peak.
If he continues performing for Freiburg and reproduces the energy, discipline and attacking ambition shown against the Netherlands, Philipp Treu could quickly go from surprise debutant to an important part of Klopp's Germany project.
For a player who took the long route to the international stage, his biggest chapter may only just be beginning.