In November 2016 the German Football Association named Jürgen Klinsmann the fifth Ehrenspielführer, honorary captain, of the men’s national team. The four before him were Fritz Walter, Uwe Seeler, Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus.
In November 2025 the association named three more honorary captains of its men’s and women’s teams: Bernard Dietz, Silvia Neid and, after her death, Doris Fitschen. It cited their outstanding sporting achievements and their exemplary conduct.