BERLIN — Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday, ending a career that spanned 82 appearances for his country.
The 33-year-old midfielder made the announcement on social media platform X, stating, “After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the decision that it is time to end my national team career.”
Gündogan, who made his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011, expressed pride in his international career. “I can look back with great pride on 82 caps for my home country — a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011,” he said.
The midfielder missed Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory due to a back injury but went on to captain the team during the recent European Football Championships hosted by Germany. Reflecting on the tournament, Gündogan said, “Being the national team’s skipper during the event was a huge honor. After all those years, we finally managed to make the nation proud again — I’m very happy that I was able to play a part in that.”
The German Football Federation (DFB) expressed gratitude towards Gündogan in a statement: “We will miss you as our captain and teammate. As our friend, you always had a secure place in the team. Thank you for everything, Illy!”
Gündogan’s retirement marks the end of an era for the German national team. His leadership and midfield presence were key components of the team’s strategy in recent years, particularly during Euro 2024.
While Gündogan is set to continue his club career, there is speculation about his future at FC Barcelona, with rumors suggesting he may leave the club this summer.
The midfielder’s decision to retire from international football comes as Germany begins to look towards rebuilding its national team following a period of transition. Gündogan’s experience and leadership will be missed as the team prepares for future international competitions.
Throughout his international career, Gündogan was known for his technical skills, vision, and ability to control the midfield. His retirement leaves a significant gap in Germany’s squad, which the national team will need to address in the coming months.
As the German national team moves forward, the search for new leadership and midfield talent will be a priority for the coaching staff and the DFB.
