Not everyone gets the opportunity to represent their national football team. Those who do are indeed fortunate. However, many players who earn a spot on the national team fail to prove themselves before being sidelined, often forgotten by fans. On the other hand, some rise to the occasion and etch their names among the world’s best, captivating football lovers with their talent and performances.
The departure of these stars often leaves fans heartbroken and creates a void in the team. This year, several prominent figures in football have bid farewell to their international careers. Here’s a look at some of these notable players.
Ángel Di María:
A vital part of the Argentina national team, Di María was affectionately known as the “Man in the Final.” He played in all four tournaments where Argentina won titles over the past three years, including the decisive goal in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil, ending a 28-year trophy drought. He also scored in the final against France in the 2022 World Cup, contributing to Argentina’s long-awaited victory. Recently, he announced his retirement from international football but will continue his club career with Benfica. Di María has made 145 appearances for Argentina, scoring 31 goals.
Luis Suárez:
Uruguayan star Luis Suárez has also retired from international football. Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Suárez is Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, with 69 goals in 143 matches. He also scored five goals in eight appearances for the national youth teams.
Toni Kroos:
Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, Germany’s Toni Kroos has retired from all forms of football following the recent UEFA Euro. Having played 114 matches for Germany, he scored 17 goals and is recognized for his remarkable contributions to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Ilkay Gündoğan:
Another elite midfielder, Germany’s Gündoğan, announced his retirement from international football on August 19, having scored 19 goals in 82 appearances for the national team.
Manuel Neuer:
Known as the “Wall of the German Goal,” Neuer has also said goodbye to the national team, concluding a remarkable 15-year international career. He was recognized as the best goalkeeper from 2011 to 2020 and won the Golden Glove at the 2014 World Cup.
Thomas Müller:
This year, the wave of retirements struck the German squad, with Thomas Müller announcing his departure from international football after the Euro. Having played 131 matches and scored 45 goals for Germany, he leaves a significant legacy.
Olivier Giroud:
France’s all-time leading scorer, Giroud, also announced his retirement after the Euro, where he performed exceptionally well. He scored 57 goals for the national team.
Xherdan Shaqiri:
Following the conclusion of the Euro in July, Switzerland’s Shaqiri hung up his national team jersey after 125 appearances, during which he scored 32 goals.
Sunil Chhetri:
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri is the fourth highest international goal scorer, with 94 goals in 151 matches. He played his final international match in June.
Edinson Cavani:
Uruguayan star Edinson Cavani has also said goodbye to international football. Once a formidable striker, he has been overlooked since the 2022 World Cup and recently decided to step away from the national team.
Additionally, this year has seen retirements from other notable players, including Jesús Navas from Spain, Pepe from Portugal, Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire from England, Jan Vertonghen from Belgium, Yann Sommer from Switzerland, Dušan Tadić from Serbia, Daley Blind from the Netherlands, and Marcelo Brozović from Croatia.
Thus, it can be said that 2024 marks a significant year of retirement for international football.
