Germany international Cora Zicai said she was “very relieved” to return to the German national team after Thursday’s 4-2 friendly win over Australia in Karlsruhe. The 21-year-old Wolfsburg winger has made the most of his opportunity after an injury-plagued spell that threatened to halt his emergence as one of German football’s most promising young strikers.
The head coach of the national team, Christian Vuk, entrusted Zika with the starting role on the right wing. The youngster featured in Germany’s dominant opening half, offering pace, direct dribbling and attacking line as the home side took a 2-0 lead with Melissa Kössler’s first international goals.
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The Freiburg international narrowly missed an early opportunity to open the scoring in the third minute, firing from eight yards after Clara Bühl picked him out. Zicai, however, remained alive on the wing and continued to involve himself in Germany’s attacking combinations.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Zicai expressed his satisfaction with his return to the international scene.
“I’m really grateful to have been given the chance to start,” explained the Wolfsburg forward. “I just told myself to enjoy it and get a few minutes under my belt. It was a relief to go back to work. Having Carlotta [Wamser] It gave me confidence behind me because I knew I could count on him if I ever got caught.”
Cora Zicai’s fledgling career as a German international
Zicai’s emergence as a top international player has been several years in the making. Born in Freiburg in November 2004, she came through SC Freiburg’s youth system before making her Frauen-Bundesliga debut in March 2021.
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His development accelerated in subsequent seasons, culminating in an impressive 2024/25 campaign. Zicai scored eight Bundesliga goals and established himself as one of Freiburg’s most effective attacking players, attracting the attention of clubs further up the German football hierarchy.
Wolfsburg subsequently secured his services ahead of the 2025/26 season, giving the winger the opportunity to challenge for domestic honors and experience Champions League football. The transfer coincided with his increased presence in Germany’s senior national team.
During the 2025 European Championship, opportunities were limited. Our comprehensive Get German Football News the group stage assessment noted that the talented Freiburger was limited to a short-term substitute appearance against local Denmark.
At the time, we identified Zicai as one of several offensive prospects whose opportunities will inevitably increase in the coming years. Our subsequent tactical analysis prior to Germany’s quarter-final against France again highlighted Zicai among the attacking options available to Vück.
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His progress, however, required patience. Competition for places in Germany’s attacking positions remained intense, with well-known internationals Klara Bühl and Jule Brand occupying prominent roles.
Wolfsburg’s failures give way to a new opportunity
Zicai’s first season at Wolfsburg provided valuable experience but was also interrupted by fitness problems. The 21-year-old returned to the Germany squad in March 2026 after previously missing training due to illness. Muscular problems later forced him to withdraw from the World Cup qualifiers against Austria in April.
Such breaks have hampered his efforts to build continuity with the national team, but Zicai has since regained both his fitness and confidence. The winger has made a promising start to the current Frauen-Bundesliga campaign, scoring four goals in Wolfsburg’s six league matches. Her performances strengthened her case for a more prominent role in Wück’s plans ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
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Zicai’s first start came after previous opportunities were limited to substitute appearances only. Our tactical review of Germany’s Nations League victory over France in October 2025 noted that his late introduction helped fuel Germany’s attack.
The same qualities that made Zicai an exciting Freiburg prospect are evident today. His pace, willingness to attack defenders and ability to create opportunities from wide positions give Wück another valuable attacking option.
As noted in our last Germany squad assessment, competition for attacking positions continues to intensify as preparations for next summer’s World Cup gather pace. Friday’s performance may not have produced a goal or assist for Zicai, but it was another important step forward nonetheless.
With Germany facing Japan in Bremen on Tuesday evening, Zicai hopes his move into the starting XI will be the start of a more sustained run in the national team.
GGFN | Peter Weiss