Franz Wagner and the German national basketball team clinched a historic victory at EuroBasket 2025, marking a significant milestone in their rise as a powerhouse in international basketball. The championship triumph over Turkiye, with a final score of 88-83, comes on the heels of their victory at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, underscoring Germany’s growing dominance in the sport.
Franz played a pivotal role in the final match, contributing 18 points and securing eight rebounds, solidifying his presence on the court. Throughout the tournament, he showcased remarkable performance, averaging 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, which earned him a coveted spot on the All-EuroBasket Five.
However, the title bore an emotional weight for Franz, as his older brother Moritz was absent due to an ACL tear he sustained earlier in the year. In a heartfelt gesture, Franz honored Moritz by donning his brother’s jersey throughout the celebratory events at Riga Arena. This tribute went beyond mere symbolism; it highlighted the close bond shared between the brothers and the emotional journey Moritz endured during his recovery.
After the victory, Franz expressed how much Moritz was missed and conveyed that the entire team felt his absence. “I mean, that’s why I’m wearing a jersey… obviously, he had a tough injury, and he’s trying to get back as fast as possible. Couldn’t be here, but I think everybody on the team knows that he’s part of the group. It’s part of what we’re building,” he stated.
Franz also shared that he had spoken with Moritz after the win, revealing, “He’s super happy.” Despite being sidelined, Moritz has been an avid follower of EuroBasket 2025, keeping up with all the games from California and providing insights for a German broadcaster. His determination to be part of the event was evident, as Franz noted, “He’s watching all the games for sure. And obviously, we talk to him a bunch, so I know that he would love to be here.”
The emotional toll of Moritz’s injury has been substantial. He was forced to leave a crucial match early on after sustaining the knee injury, later undergoing reconstructive surgery in January. Reflecting on the hardships of his recovery, Moritz mentioned earlier this year, “It’s awful to have surgery, especially if you want to play and you don’t get to. But that is a component of it. Don’t overthink everything; instead, rely on your network of support and take things one day at a time. It’s emotional, of course, and it means a lot to be able to play, but now [it] means much more.”
The brothers previously played together in the 2023 World Cup-winning team, affirming their status as key talents in German basketball. The victory at EuroBasket 2025 not only symbolizes a pursuit of glory for the nation but also serves as a tribute to resilience and brotherhood in the face of adversity.
