Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Germany’s national football team, announced his retirement from international football on Monday, marking the end of an illustrious international career.
The Barcelona midfielder made the decision after leading his country in their campaign at Euro 2024, where Germany reached the quarter-finals.
“After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan said in a statement released by the German Football Association (DFB).
“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.”
The 33-year-old midfielder, who turns 34 in October, enjoyed a successful stint with the national team, making his debut in a friendly match against Belgium in October 2011.
Gundogan’s international career spanned over a decade, during which he became a key figure in the midfield for Germany.
Reflecting on his journey with the national team, Gundogan highlighted the personal significance of captaining Germany during Euro 2024, which was hosted on home soil.
“My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” he said.
Despite the tournament ending in disappointment for Germany after a quarter-final loss to eventual champions Spain, Gundogan’s leadership was widely praised.
Gundogan’s international career, however, had its share of setbacks. He missed Germany’s triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil due to a back injury, a major blow for the midfielder at the peak of his career.
He was also forced to sit out Euro 2016 after suffering a dislocated kneecap. Despite these injuries, Gundogan’s resilience and determination saw him return to the international stage stronger.
Over the years, Gundogan became known for his versatility, tactical intelligence, and leadership on the pitch. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively and offensively made him a crucial player for Germany.
Throughout his international career, he scored 17 goals and provided numerous assists, helping to maintain Germany’s competitive edge in European and global football.
Gundogan’s retirement marks the end of an era for the German national team, which will now have to look for new leadership as it prepares for upcoming international tournaments.
The midfielder’s departure is seen as a significant loss, not just for his contributions on the field but also for his role in the dressing room as a mentor and leader.
At the club level, Gundogan has been a prominent figure in European football, most notably during his time at Manchester City, where he played a key role in the club’s success under Pep Guardiola.
His move to Barcelona in the summer of 2023 further cemented his reputation as one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation.
As Gundogan steps away from international football, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and leadership.
Germany will now face the challenge of finding a new leader to fill the void left by their captain as they continue their pursuit of success on the international stage.
