With the end of Euro 2024 and Copa America, some famous football players have retired from international matches.
Here are five top players who decided to retire after these tournaments:
Thomas Muller – Germany
Thomas Muller ended his impressive career with the German national team after Germany’s quarter-final loss at Euro 2024. Unlike his teammate Toni Kroos, Muller will keep playing for his club, Bayern Munich, having signed a contract until 2025.
Muller first played for Germany just before the 2010 World Cup and quickly became known for his talent, scoring five goals and earning both the Best Young Player and Golden Boot awards. He scored another five goals during Germany’s 2014 World Cup win. With 45 goals in 131 games, Muller is one of Germany’s top scorers and has played more games than almost any other German player, except for Lothar Matthaus and Miroslav Klose.
Angel Di Maria – Argentina
Angel Di Maria has been a key player for Argentina, though Lionel Messi often gets the spotlight. Di Maria retired from international play after helping Argentina win the Copa America this summer. This victory adds to his previous Copa America win in 2021, the 2022 World Cup, and the Finalissima.
Di Maria played a crucial role in Argentina’s recent successes, scoring the only goal in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil and another in the Finalissima win over Italy. He also scored in the World Cup final against France. Di Maria leaves as one of Argentina’s most celebrated players, with the third most appearances for the national team.
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Olivier Giroud – France
Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time top scorer, retired from international football after reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Often underrated, Giroud earned respect under coach Didier Deschamps, scoring 57 goals in 137 games, surpassing Thierry Henry’s record. He also won the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League.
At 37, Giroud is moving to a new challenge in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC.
Jesus Navas – Spain
Jesus Navas has won more with Spain than any other player, including two Euros, a World Cup, and a UEFA Nations League title. Despite never playing for top clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid, Navas’s long career with Spain lasted 15 years. He even returned to the team twice after long breaks.
Navas, the oldest player to represent Spain, won Euro 2024 at the age of 38.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland
Xherdan Shaqiri has been a star for Switzerland for over ten years, but he retired from international football after Euro 2024. Shaqiri played a major role as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals and is the only player to score in three consecutive European Championships and three consecutive World Cups.
He finished his international career with 32 goals in 125 games, with only Granit Xhaka having more appearances for Switzerland.