Thomas Muller Retires from German National Team After Euro 2024 Exit
Germany striker Thomas Muller announced his retirement from international football on Monday following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where the host nation was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
In a video statement, Muller, who will turn 35 in September, cited his decision after 131 national team appearances and 45 goals. He highlighted his pivotal role in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory, including scoring in their historic 7-1 semi-final win over Brazil.
"When I played my first international match over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this," Muller expressed in the video. "It always made me very proud to represent my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together."
Muller's retirement follows Germany's 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, after which he indicated discussions with coach Julian Nagelsmann about stepping aside to make way for younger players.
Despite ending his international career, Muller will continue playing for Bayern Munich until 2025, under contract with the club. He ranks as Germany's sixth highest goalscorer and has played more games for Germany than all but two others, Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose.