Germany's Alexandra Popp Announces Retirement from International Football

Germany women's team captain Alexandra Popp will retire from international football after a distinguished 14-year career. Popp, who debuted for Germany in 2010, scored 67 goals in 144 appearances. She led the team to a gold medal at Rio 2016 and bronze in Paris 2024, among other achievements.

Germany's women's team captain Alexandra Popp has announced her retirement from international football after a stellar 14-year career. The veteran striker will play her final match for Germany on October 28, when the team faces Australia in Duisburg.

Popp, 33, made her debut for the national team in 2010 and scored 67 goals across 144 appearances. Her career highlights include winning a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and a bronze at the Paris Olympics this August. She also guided the team to the final of the European Championship in 2022 and has captained Germany in four Women's World Cups.

"I have always stressed that my gut will make the decision, and now it has," Popp shared in a video on social media. "After long, tearful deliberations, I have decided with a heavy heart to end my career with the national team. The fire that ignited in me 18 years ago and grew stronger from year to year has now almost burnt out." Popp's career has also been marred with injuries, missing Euro 2013 and Euro 2017 due to health setbacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)