The German national football team's crest features an eagle, a symbol that has been associated with the country's rich history and statehood for centuries. The eagle on the crest is a one-headed eagle, with its head turned to its right wing and no crown on its head, and is known as the Federal Eagle.
History of the Eagle
The use of the eagle as a symbol of German statehood dates back to the early years of the Holy Roman Empire. The King's coat of arms featured a one-headed eagle, which was also used by the Imperial princes as a way of displaying their status as vassals of the King. Over time, the design of the eagle has evolved, with the double-headed eagle being introduced in 1433 and becoming a symbol of the Emperor and the state.
Design and Meaning
The current design of the Federal Eagle features a black eagle with a red beak, tongue, and feet on a golden field. The eagle is one-headed, with its head turned to its right wing and no crown on its head. The design is meant to evoke the country's rich history and statehood, and is an important part of German national identity.
The eagle has been featured on various national symbols, including the country's coat of arms, and is also used by the German national football team. For more information on the German national football team, visit our page on the 2026 World Cup teams.