FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Germany captain Gundogan retires from international football
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of the German national football team, announced his retirement from international football on Monday, signaling the end of a distinguished era for both himself and the national team. The 33 year old, who led Germany at Euro 2024, cited a growing sense of physical and mental fatigue as the driving force behind his decision, marking the conclusion of a career that spanned over a decade at the international level.
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In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Gundogan explained his decision.
“After several weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career, 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.” he wrote.
Gundogan’s retirement is part of a wave of high-profile departures from the German national team, following the exits of Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. Kroos, a midfield maestro known for his pinpoint passing and tactical intelligence, announced his retirement from international football after Euro 2024, while Muller, a forward with an uncanny ability to find space and score crucial goals, ended his Germany career just last month.
Together, these three players represented the backbone of the German squad for many years, contributing to both its triumphs and its rebuilding phases. Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, captained the German team through a turbulent yet promising Euro 2024 campaign. Germany reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, only to be narrowly defeated by eventual champions Spain after extra time.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Gundogan from Early to Leading Germany on the International Stage
Following two consecutive World Cup group-stage exits and a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020, the quarter-final appearance at Euro 2024 was seen as a sign that Germany was regaining its status as a footballing powerhouse. Reflecting on his international career, Gundogan singled out the 2024 European Championship as a particularly special moment.
“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.
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Gundogan’s leadership was a crucial factor in Germany’s performance at the tournament, as he marshaled a squad that combined seasoned veterans with emerging talents, guiding them through the pressures of playing in front of a home crowd.
Gundogan’s journey in football began long before his captaincy of the national team. Born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish parents, he grew up in a football-loving family and showed early promise in the sport. He began his professional career at VfL Bochum before moving to 1. FC Nurnberg, where his performances caught the attention of Borussia Dortmund.
At Dortmund, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, Gundogan developed into one of Europe’s most complete midfielders, known for his vision, passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game. His performances at Dortmund earned him a move to Manchester City in 2016, where he enjoyed a highly successful seven-year stint.
FIFA World Cup Final Tickets: Gundogan A Journey of Triumph and Resilience from Manchester City to International Glory
During his time at Manchester City, Gundogan won five Premier League titles, solidifying his reputation as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. He also played a pivotal role in helping City secure their first UEFA Champions League title in 2023, scoring crucial goals throughout the campaign. His influence on and off the pitch made him a leader within the squad, and his departure to Barcelona in 2023 marked the end of an era for City as well.
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Despite his success at the club level, Gundogan’s international career was marred by injuries at key moments. He made his debut for the German national team in October 2011 in a match against Belgium, and quickly established himself as a key player in the squad. However, he was forced to miss Germany’s victorious 2014 World Cup campaign due to a back injury, a setback that was deeply disappointing for both the player and his fans.
Two years later, in 2016, Gundogan suffered another major injury a dislocated kneecap that ruled him out of the European Championship. Nevertheless, Gundogan’s resilience and determination saw him return to the national team, where he continued to play a central role in Germany’s midfield.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Ilkay Gundogan Reflecting on an Illustrious Career as He Steps Away from International Football
He became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team, a milestone that reflected his status as a role model for young players from diverse backgrounds. Over the course of his international career, Gundogan appeared in four major tournaments, including Euro 2024, Euro 2020, the 2018 World Cup, and the 2022 World Cup.
While he was an unused squad member at Euro 2012, his contributions in the subsequent tournaments were significant, even if the team’s overall results were mixed. Gundogan announced his retirement, he acknowledged the physical and mental toll that a long and demanding career had taken on him.
“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 admitted.
This fatigue, coupled with the increasing demands of modern football, led him to conclude that it was the right time to step back from the international stage. Despite his retirement, Gundogan remains optimistic about the future of 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,” he said.
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