Berlin, Germany – Ilkay Gundogan, captain of the German national football team, has announced his retirement from international football after leading his country at Euro 2024. Citing “a certain tiredness” both physically and mentally, the Barcelona midfielder made his decision public on Monday through social media.
“After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan wrote. “I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country – a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.”
Gundogan’s retirement follows those of fellow German stars Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller. Kroos stepped away from the international stage after Euro 2024, while Müller announced his departure from the Germany team last month.
The 33-year-old Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, captained Germany to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions Spain after extra time. Despite the disappointment, Germany’s performance at the tournament marked a resurgence following their previous setbacks, including early exits from the last two World Cups and a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020.
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Reflecting on his career, Gundogan highlighted the honor of leading his national team, especially during the home European Championship in 2024. “My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” he stated.
Gundogan, who enjoyed a decorated club career with Manchester City—winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League—before his move to Barcelona last year, acknowledged the toll of a demanding football schedule. “I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not going to get any less,” he said.
Despite stepping away from international duty, Gundogan expressed his continued support for the German national team. “I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can continue together – and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the main title contenders at the 2026 World Cup.”
Gundogan made his debut for Germany in October 2011 against Belgium and went on to represent his country in four major tournaments. His international career was marked by challenges, including missing the 2014 World Cup triumph due to a back injury and Euro 2016 because of a dislocated kneecap. He became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team.
Germany’s current coach, Julian Nagelsmann, praised Gundogan’s leadership. “Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working,” Nagelsmann said. “The door to the national team is never completely closed, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for his future, both professionally and privately.”
As Gundogan steps away from the international stage, his legacy as a dedicated leader and talented midfielder for Germany will remain a significant part of his storied career.
