President Joachim Gauck awarded Germany's FIFA World Cup squad the Silver Laurel Leaf, the country's highest sporting honour.
Germany's 23 World Cup heroes, who lifted the fourth World Cup title in Brazil, were presented with the award by the president in a ceremony at the head of state's Bellevue Palace Monday, reports Xinhua.
"To be the football world champion is the greatest thing of all. No title counts more than this. This title is something very special. The truth is that we have all become world champions," Joachim Gauk said.
"What a commanding title win, what a convincing performance, which was ungrudgingly recognised by all opponents," he added.
Chancellor Angela Merkel, Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maiziere and DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach attended the award ceremony.
