When the lights are at their brightest, Germany knows that it can always count on its captain, Dennis Schroder.

The 31-year-old guard was the MVP of the 2023 FIBA World Cup—which Germany won—and he hasn’t slowed down since. He has led them to another final, this time at EuroBasket 2025, after posting 26 points, five rebounds, and 12 assists in their 98-86 semifinal win over Finland.

Schroder was brilliant throughout, controlling the pace from the early stages of the match. Germany fell behind 16-9 with 5:13 left in the first quarter, but quickly stormed back. Schroder assisted on six of their next seven field goals to put Germany up by four, 30-26, by the end of the opening period. They never trailed again and even stretched the lead to as much as 19 in the second quarter.

Finland rallied late in the third period, cutting Germany’s advantage to six, 77-71. Germany answered by clamping down on defense as they pushed their lead back up to 18, 98-81, late in the fourth.

Schroder’s fingerprints were all over the win—he made all the right plays exactly when Germany needed them the most. He has proven through the years that he can consistently find another level when donning their national colors and this tournament has been no exception. The 6’1 guard is averaging 20.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists through eight games, staking a claim as the best guard in Europe outside of Slovenia’s Luka Doncic.

This is Germany’s first finals appearance in EuroBasket since 2005, when their Dirk Nowitzki-led group won silver after bowing to Greece. If this year’s team can beat Turkey—who are also undefeated—to capture gold, it would mark two major titles for this program since 2023 and strengthen Schroder’s case as a likely Hall of Famer on the strength of his international resume.

Just one more game separates Germany from another milestone and there’s no one better to lead them into this battle than their captain. Schroder has delivered winning plays all tournament long and there is no reason to think the finale will be any different. With rising power Turkey up next, Germany will lean on Schroder once more to prove that this is still their time as they attempt to cement their golden era with another historic win.