Germany vs. France: UEFA Nations League by Uwe Kraft

In this visual story, Uwe Kraft turns his lens toward the dynamic between Germany and France during the UEFA Nations League third-place match, capturing spatial tension, physical confrontation, and the micro-narratives unfolding with every movement. His images focus on the subtle yet powerful details of this encounter: players locking eyes, testing each other’s limits, and claiming territory on the pitch.

Sports photography, and football in particular, demands a unique combination of anticipation, precision, and instinct. The game moves fast, and the key moments are often subtle: a shift in weight, a missed touch, a silent challenge. To photograph football well means knowing the sport, and being able to read it, to position yourself at the right place and time, to isolate meaning in motion. Kraft’s experience behind the camera shows in the way he frames these fleeting interactions, turning match play into visual storytelling.

Photos © IMAGO / Uwe Kraft

About the Photographer

Uwe Kraft is a Germany-based photojournalist with decades of experience covering sports, politics, and culture. His work is known for its precision, timing, and strong visual narrative, whether on the football pitch or behind the scenes. You can read his interview with The Game Magazine here.

Cover: IMAGO / Uwe Kraft

Read more from Uwe Kraft in The Game Magazine:

Toni Kroos’ Final Match for Real Madrid: A Legendary Exit Captured by Uwe Kraft

Uwe Kraft on EURO 2024: Techniques, Challenges, and Insights