Ilkay Gundogan Announces Retirement from International Soccer

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, aged 33, has retired from international soccer. Gundogan, who joined Barcelona in 2022, made his German national team debut in 2011 and scored 19 goals in 82 appearances. He announced his decision on social media, reflecting on his career and highlighting his role as team captain at Euro 2024.

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has officially retired from international soccer, the 33-year-old announced on Monday via social media. Gundogan, who transitioned to Barcelona from Manchester City last year, has had an illustrious career with the German national team, debuting in 2011 and scoring 19 goals in 82 matches.

"After a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gundogan shared. "I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country – a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."

Ilkay Gundogan participated in all five of Germany’s games at Euro 2024, making his final international appearance in a quarter-final defeat to Spain, the eventual champions. "My highlight was definitely the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship this summer," he said, acknowledging that the rigours of continuous play at both club and national levels have taken a toll.