Germany striker, Thomas Mueller, announced his retirement from international football on Monday following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, which saw the host nation bow out in the quarterfinals.
“After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye,” Mueller revealed in a video statement.
Approaching his 35th birthday in September, Mueller has been an instrumental figure for Germany, notably part of the squad that clinched the 2014 World Cup.
He famously netted the opening goal in Germany’s memorable 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semifinals.
Reflecting on his career, Mueller said, “When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this.”
“It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together,” he added.
Mueller had already hinted at his retirement after Germany’s quarterfinal exit from Euro 2024, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain, who eventually won the tournament against England.
Following the match against Spain, Mueller mentioned he would discuss with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann whether stepping aside for younger players would be the “sensible option.”
Manuel Neuer now remains the sole member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team still active in the national setup.
Meanwhile, Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos had announced his decision to retire from football after Euro 2024.
Unlike Kroos, Mueller plans to continue his club career with Bayern Munich, where he is contracted until 2025.
Mueller’s international career places him among Germany’s most-capped players, surpassed only by Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose, and he stands as the nation’s sixth-highest goalscorer.
