Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing “a certain tiredness” both physically and mentally. “After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan wrote on social media. “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.”
His retirement follows those of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Mueller called time on his Germany career last month. Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team that reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.
Despite the pain of that defeat Germany demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with again after the disappointment of successive World Cup group-stage exits either side of a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020. “My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” said the Barcelona midfielder.
Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in seven seasons with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona last year, admitted to feeling the effects of a busy schedule before the start of Euro 2024. “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.
“I will 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. We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit.”
Gundogan made his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011 but missed their 2014 World Cup triumph with a back injury. He was also ruled out of Euro 2016 due to a dislocated kneecap. He became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team and appeared at four major tournaments. He was also an unused squad member at Euro 2012.
“Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “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.”
Meanwhile, new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said he expects Gundogan to stay this season after reports linked the midfielder with a move away from the La Liga club. The 33-year-old is in the final year of his Barcelona contract, having joined from Manchester City in 2023.
Gundogan is one of the top earners at the club, and Spanish media reports suggested he might leave after the signing of midfielder Dani Olmo. Gundogan missed Barcelona’s opening league match, a 2-1 win at Valencia on Saturday due to a minor injury. “(Gundogan) hurt his eyebrow on Monday and that’s why he’s staying at home,” Flick told reporters after the game.
“I appreciate what kind of player he is and what he is like as a person. I’ve talked to him a lot, but it’s something between me and him, we have a good relationship. I know him well. I have the feeling that he will stay.”
Meanwhile, English media reported that Manchester City are interested in bringing back their former club captain Gundogan.
Gundogan spent seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium, winning five league titles and the Champions League, but departed for Catalonia in 2023 at the end of his contract. His final act under Pep Guardiola was to score a double to help City beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
City are looking to bolster their squad before the end of the window following the sale of Julián Alvarez and Oscar Bobb’s leg fracture, making Gundogan coming back an ideal solution. Guardiola has admitted to being open to the prospect of acquiring a central midfielder to help alleviate the burden on Rodri.
Although often a No 8 when at City, Gundogan was able to play as a defensive midfielder, offering the versatility Guardiola craves.
