Thomas Mueller Retires From Germany After Euro 2024
The 34-year-old striker shared his decision in a video statement on Monday, ending a 14-year career with the national team that saw him earn 131 caps and score 45 goals.
“When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this,” Mueller said. “Great victories and bitter defeats. Sometimes on the floor, only to get back up again. It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together.”
Germany's 2-1 loss to Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 marked Mueller’s final appearance for the national team. A late extra-time goal by Spain's Mikel Merino ended Germany's hopes of winning the tournament on home soil. A tearful Mueller hinted after the match that it might be his last for Germany.
Mueller's departure was met with praise from national team coach Julian Nagelsmann and other football figures. Nagelsmann lauded Mueller's qualities, emphasizing that the team would "miss him very much." Rudi Voeller, the Germany national team director, highlighted Mueller's unique playing style: “Unorthodox, intuitive, unpredictable, and that is precisely why he is successful.”
Mueller burst onto the international scene by winning the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scoring five goals in his debut tournament. He continued to be a pivotal player for Germany, scoring the opening goal in their historic 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup, which Germany went on to win.
Career Highlights
- 2010 World Cup: Won the Golden Boot with five goals.
- 2014 World Cup: Scored in Germany’s 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil, helping secure the World Cup title.
- National Team Caps and Goals: 131 appearances and 45 goals, ranking him sixth on Germany’s all-time scoring list.
Despite retiring from international football, Mueller will continue his club career with Bayern Munich, where he is contracted until 2025. Bayern president Herbert Hainer expressed his delight at Mueller’s decision to stay with the club: “The younger generation doesn’t know the national team without Thomas Mueller and I can’t really imagine it without him. I’m delighted that Thomas will continue to play for our club.”
With Mueller stepping down, only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad. Midfielder Toni Kroos also announced his retirement from football after Euro 2024. Mueller's retirement marks the end of an era for German football, but he remains optimistic about the team's future, urging fans to support the squad as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Mueller's retirement from international football signifies the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in German football history. His contributions, both in terms of goals and leadership, have left an indelible mark on the national team. As he continues to excel at Bayern Munich, Mueller's legacy will inspire future generations of footballers.
SportsLigue