- Germany captain Alexandra Popp announces her international retirement after 144 caps and 67 goals.
- Popp, 33, cited injuries and the waning fire for her decision.
- She played key roles in Germany's 2016 Olympic gold and 2023 bronze finishes.
Germany captain Alexandra Popp, who made her debut for the national team in 2010, has announced her retirement from international football. Over her illustrious career, Popp scored 67 goals in 144 appearances and became a leading figure in Germany’s rise in women’s football.
In a video shared by the German Football Association (DFB) and her club, Wolfsburg, the 33-year-old expressed her emotional decision, stating, “With a heavy heart, I have decided to end my international career.” Popp reflected on her journey, saying the fire that fueled her for 18 years had dimmed, and it was time to step away.
Popp’s versatility on the field made her invaluable. While primarily a center-forward, she often played in defensive midfield or as a wing-back when the team needed her. She was a key player in Germany’s Olympic gold win in 2016, their bronze medal this year, and their runner-up finish at Euro 2022.
Her journey began at a special DFB-run sports school in Gelsenkirchen, where she was the only girl. In 2008, she joined Bundesliga club Duisburg, where she won the Champions League and two German Cups, marking the start of a successful club career.
In 2012, Popp moved to Wolfsburg, one of the top women’s football teams in the world. During her time at the club, she secured two more Champions League titles, seven Bundesliga championships, and 11 German Cups.
However, injuries played a role in her surprise decision to retire. Popp described her body as “a ticking time bomb,” acknowledging the toll the sport had taken on her physically.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf praised Popp as an “exceptional phenomenon,” highlighting her importance not only as a player but as a representative of the DFB. He commended her for being an outstanding ambassador for German football.
Germany women’s coach Christian Wück echoed those sentiments, calling her “the defining face” of the national team for nearly 15 years, leaving “big footprints” behind in the world of football.
