Carney Chukwuemeka on Borussia Dortmund's season so far, representing Austria and FIFA World Cup memories
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has his sights set on a spot in Austria's FIFA 2026 World Cup squad after recently making his senior international debut.
In a wide-ranging interview with the 22-year-old, we discuss his footballing background, Saturday’s clash against Bayer Leverkusen, his favourite World Cup memories and much more…
Bundesliga: How has the season been going so far for Dortmund?
Carney Chukwuemeka: “We’re having a good season. We’re currently second and quite comfortable there. We wanted more at the start, but Bayern Munich have been exceptional. We’ve had games where we let leads slip and dropped points, but overall it’s been a good season.”
Bundesliga: And how’s it going for you?
Chukwuemeka: “Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve really got going yet or found my rhythm. I know I can bring much more quality that I’ve shown so far. My playing time has been limited, but this is the first season where my body has felt good and I’ve not had any real injuries. That’s been the most important thing for me. I know it’s only a matter of time before I show what I can do.”
Watch: Chukwuemeka against the clock
Bundesliga: Everyone says that as long as you stay fit, anything is possible, right?
Chukwuemeka: “Of course. I played many matches in the past without being fully fit, often with knee problems. This season has been different, everything has been fine. Now it’s about getting my rhythm back. I know my best is still to come.”
Bundesliga: You play Leverkusen on Saturday, what do you expect?
Chukwuemeka: “They’re a very good team. They play good football, are aggressive and are fighting for the UEFA Champions League places. We know they will come at us. We can’t relax, even though we’re comfortably second. We want to win every match, so we have to be ready.”
Bundesliga: Where does your potential come from?
Chukwuemeka: “I believe it’s a gift from God. I also think it comes from how I grew up, playing football with my friends in cages. I’ve taken that into my game and never changed how I like to play. I enjoy dribbling, quick combinations and connecting with teammates.”
Watch: Pure silk from Chukwuemeka!
Bundesliga: So you grew up playing street football?
Chukwuemeka: “Yes, definitely. If you looked at videos of me when I was younger, you would see that I’ve not changed my style. I still enjoy linking up with players like Fabio [Silva], Jule [Brandt] Felix [Nmecha], playing one-twos and building connections. That’s how I’ve always seen and loved football.”
Bundesliga: What was it like back then when you started playing football?
Chukwuemeka: “I saw him [my older brother] kicking a ball around the house and I looked up to him. Before that I was more interested in singing but watching him made me want to play. That’s how it starting, just kicking a ball around at home. I’m so competitive, but I have that big-bro respect for him - I’ll always keep that but it’s very competitive.”
Bundesliga: Having made your international debut in March, what’s it like playing for Austria?
Chukwuemeka: “It’s a great feeling. I can’t wait for the World Cup, by God’s grace I go. I felt like I fitted in straight away and built connections quickly. Scoring my goal was a great moment.”
Bundesliga: What are your favourite memories of a FIFA World Cup?
Chukwuemeka: “I was a bit young, but I remember the 2010 World Cup, mainly because of the South Africa dance when they scored - I can’t remember what it was called, but I remember it. I also remember the 2022 World Cup when [Lionel] Messi won it. I was older then and watched the final, which was an incredible match.”
Bundesliga: Which national team shirt did you have first, and who was on it?
Chukwuemeka: “My first one was Brazil, with Ronaldinho. It was very big on me, probably my dad’s shirt that he gave to me. I was a kid at the time, it was so big but that was my first.”
Bundesliga: Ronaldinho was also a legend and his style of play was unbelievable, wasn’t it?
Chukwuemeka: “Yes, growing up it was Ronaldinho and Kaká who I based my game on. I loved how they played, how free they were on the pitch. Those were the players I looked up to.”
Bundesliga: What’s your favourite World Cup goal?
Chukwuemeka: “Probably Neymar’s goal against Croatia in 2022. He had an ankle injury but still pushed through. It showed his mentality as well as his technique. When he scored, I thought Brazil would go on to win the World Cup. That moment gave me goosebumps. There was a lot of pressure on him before but he came through it despite the ankle injury.”
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