The German Football Federation announced on Friday that Banks, a 19-year-old dual-national defender, has chosen to represent Germany over the United States. In a news release, Germany under-21 coach Antonio Di Salvo said that both Banks and Tunisian dual-national forward Louey Ben Farhat of Karlsruher SC have "chosen to represent Germany." This decision comes as a disappointment to the USMNT program, which remains thin at centre back.
Banks was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to an American father and German mother. He moved to Germany with his family at seven weeks old and has lived there most of his life. Banks rose through the ranks of FC Augsburg, starting at age 9, and has made 35 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring one goal. He previously appeared for the U.S. U19 and U20 teams after participating in the 2023 U17 World Cup.
Banks' decision now means he'll have to file a one-time change of association with FIFA in order to make his choice official.