Gündogan retires from international football

Ilkay Gündogan has played his last game for Germany.

Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan has announced his international retirement. 

“After a few weeks of reflection, I have decided that it is time to call time on my national team career,” Gündogan wrote on Instagram. 

“I can look back with pride on 82 caps for my country, a number I never dreamed of when I made my senior debut in 2011. My highlight was definitely the great honor of captaining the team at our home European Championships last summer! After all these years, we finally managed to make the nation proud again – I’m very happy to have been a part of that. But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body, but also in my head, which made me think. And the games at club and national level are not getting any less. 

“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team, and I really hope that together we can continue the upward trend – and then there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be among the closest contenders for the title at the 2026 World Cup. We have a fantastic coach, a really strong squad and a great team spirit. Thank you to all the fans, staff, coaches and players who have been with me on this journey. It’s been an honor! Thank you Germany!”

The 33-year-old midfielder made his Germany debut in 2011.

He went on to represent his country 82 times, racking up 19 goals and nine assists.