Mio Backhaus faces international selection choice between Japan and Germany

Mio Backhaus, a dual Japanese-German goalkeeper playing for SC Freiburg, is at the center of a potential international selection dispute between the Japan Football Association (JFA) and the German national team.

Reports indicate that new German national team manager Jurgen Klopp has identified Backhaus as a potential candidate for the senior squad. However, due to his Japanese heritage and upbringing, the JFA is also monitoring his situation. German media outlets suggest that Backhaus has been in contact with both football associations.

His decision may be influenced by his environment at SC Freiburg, where he plays alongside Japanese internationals such as Yuito Suzuki, Keisuke Goto, and Rihito Yamamoto. Suzuki noted that Backhaus’s presence is a significant asset to the team, though the future of his international allegiance remains uncertain.