Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has officially been named by coach Julian Nagelsmann in the squad for EURO 2024, a result of an incredible rise in just half a year.

On Thursday (May 16), the official list of 26 German players for EURO 2024 on home soil will be announced by coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, the names of those selected have been gradually revealed day by day to heighten the excitement for fans. Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), and Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) are among the first to be named, along with the “newcomer” Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Pavlovic had a progressive season with Bayern Munich even though in November 2023 he was still playing in the fourth division.

Pavlovic has never played for the German national team, not even for the U21 team, having only appeared in two matches at the U20 level. The midfielder, who graduated from Bayern Munich’s youth academy, has a Serbian father and was also approached by the Serbian Football Association. However, he decided to serve Die Mannschaft.

In fact, Pavlovic was called up by coach Nagelsmann during the FIFA days in March this year but had to withdraw at the last minute due to tonsillitis. Just over half a year ago, the 20-year-old defensive midfielder was almost unknown. However, his rapid progress in the past six months has taken him from Germany’s fourth division to the national team for EURO 2024.

He made his first-team debut as a substitute in a Bundesliga win against Darmstadt on October 28, 2023, but by the end of November 2023, Pavlovic still played 71 minutes for Bayern Munich’s youth team against SpVgg Bayreuth in the fourth division. Nevertheless, the midfielder had signed his first professional contract and made his first start for the Bavarians.

A spot in EURO 2024 is a well-deserved reward for Pavlovic’s efforts.

Since his last appearance in the fourth division, Pavlovic has quickly become a key player in Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich squad. Most recently, the 20-year-old talent even displaced veteran Leon Goretzka to play the full second leg of the Champions League semi-final at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu.

Although he is not yet assured of a starting spot with players like Toni Kroos, Robert Andrich, and captain Ilkay Gundogan around him, Pavlovic remains a highly promising name in Germany’s midfield, not just for EURO 2024 but for the long-term future. Being part of the EURO squad with Die Mannschaft on home soil is an honor and a reward for the efforts of the midfielder born in 2004.