After Toni Kroos, another German legend announces retirement following Euro 2024 failure

German football icon Thomas Muller has brought down the curtain on his illustrious international career. The 34-year-old Bayern Munich forward announced his retirement following the conclusion of Euro 2024.

Thomas Muller Retires from International Football

Muller, a pivotal figure in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph, represented his country on 131 occasions, scoring 45 goals. His international journey began in 2010, where he burst onto the global stage with a remarkable five-goal haul at the World Cup, securing both the Golden Boot and the FIFA Young Player Award. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Muller expressed his pride in representing Germany and thanked his supporters. While bidding farewell to the national team, he vowed to cheer them on as a fan as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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“After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye,” Mueller said in a video.

“I was always proud to represent my country and I want to thank everyone,” he said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the team on the way to the 2026 World Cup as a fan but no longer as a player on the pitch," he added.

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Muller's role in Euro 2024 was limited to substitute appearances, totaling just 56 minutes across two matches. Germany's tournament ended in the quarter-finals with a defeat to Spain, who eventually claimed the championship. Despite his international retirement, Muller will continue to play for Bayern Munich next season. The German club aims to reclaim the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen and pursue Champions League glory.

Thomas Müller began his German national team career with a 1-0 loss to Argentina in March 2010. A prolific striker, he represented Germany in four World Cups and four European Championships. In 2010, he led Germany to a third-place World Cup finish while securing the Golden Boot and Best Young Player awards. Four years later, he was a key player in Germany's World Cup victory, scoring five goals. With 131 appearances, Müller ranks third in Germany's all-time caps list and seventh in the scoring charts with 45 goals.

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