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On 14 September 2025, the German national basketball team won the European Championship final in Riga against Turkey 88–83. It was the first German European title since 1993. National coach Álex Mumbrú, in office since August 2024, could only accompany the tournament to a limited extent. During the games, his assistant Alan Ibrahimagic led the team. The success is an object lesson in the Law of Empowerment.
The boss is out, the team plays on
Situation
Shortly before the tournament began, Mumbrú fell ill and was taken to hospital in Tampere, the venue of the preliminary round. He missed the preliminary round. Ibrahimagic coached, and Germany won all five group games.
Link to the law
Empowerment only shows when the leader is absent. A team that functions only under supervision has been instructed but never empowered. Those who share knowledge and decisions beforehand make the organisation resilient.
Handing over the voice
Situation
In the round of 16 against Portugal, Mumbrú was back on the sideline. On 8 September he handed the in-game coaching over to Ibrahimagic for the rest of the tournament. He said: “During the game, Alan is the voice. But the rest we do together.” About himself he said that he was not at 100 per cent.
Link to the law
Only an inwardly secure leader gives power away. Mumbrú openly named his limit and handed over a clearly defined task. Good delegation says exactly what is handed over and what remains shared.
A deputy who was prepared
Situation
Ibrahimagic has been part of the coaching staff of the men’s national team since November 2017. In the summer of 2024 he led the German under-18 team to the European title. He had known the players, routines and playing concept for years.
Link to the law
This is where the Law of the Inner Circle applies. A leader’s potential depends on the people closest to them. Those who develop and involve deputies early have, when it counts, not a stopgap but a solution.
A system that belongs to everyone
Situation
The team stood united behind the arrangement. Maodo Lo said the team continued to play “its system, its idea, its philosophy”. Captain Dennis Schröder called Mumbrú a “warrior”.
Link to the law
Empowerment does not mean that everyone does what they want. It presupposes a shared idea that everyone knows and supports. Then the voice can change without the direction changing.
Responsibility on the court
Situation
Schröder was voted the most valuable player of the tournament. He and Franz Wagner were named to the All-Star Team of the European Championship. Schröder had already been captain and MVP when Germany won the 2023 World Cup under Gordon Herbert.
Link to the law
In strong teams, leadership rests on several shoulders. Players who carry responsibility over years need no instruction from outside in critical moments. Continuity at the core makes transitions at the top manageable.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Check whether your team makes good decisions even after a week without you.
- Hand over tasks clearly: say what is handed over and what you decide together.
- Develop your deputy before you need them.
- Make your guiding idea so well known that others can carry it out without you.
- State your own limits openly instead of covering them up.
Summary
Germany became European champion in 2025 even though the national coach could not lead the games himself. This was made possible by a prepared assistant, a clear handover and a system the team had internalised. Empowerment is not an emergency plan. It is the groundwork that makes an emergency manageable.