German striker Thomas Muller announced his retirement from international football on Monday following Germany’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
In a video statement, Muller, who will turn 35 in September, reflected on his illustrious career, which spanned 131 national team appearances and yielded 45 goals. He expressed pride in his achievements, particularly his pivotal role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory and his memorable performance in the 7-1 semi-final triumph over Brazil.
“When I played my first international match over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this,” Muller remarked emotionally.
After Germany’s quarter-final defeat to Spain, Muller indicated that retirement was under consideration, pending discussions with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann about the future direction of the team.
Among his achievements, Muller ranks as Germany’s sixth highest goalscorer of all time, with only Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose having played more games for the national team. His retirement leaves goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as the sole remaining member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad still active in international football.
Unlike teammate Toni Kroos, who also announced his retirement but from football altogether, Muller will continue to play for Bayern Munich until at least 2025, honoring his contract with the club.
