The fleeting nature of a footballer’s career has seen several iconic players bid farewell to international football in 2024.
This summer’s European Championship and Copa America marked the final appearances of modern-day greats, World Cup winners, and record cap holders.
Intriguingly, a footballer’s career typically spans 20 years, with 35 being the traditional retirement age.
The high demands and increasing fixture list take a toll, making retirement an inevitable decision.
Meanwhile, for some, hanging up their international boots brings relief, while others struggle with the change.
Below are the retired XI who quit international football in 2024
Manuel Neuer: Germany’s Goalkeeping Legend
Manuel Neuer, one of the greatest goalkeepers, announced his international retirement after Germany’s Euro 2024 defeat to Spain.
The 2014 World Cup winner accumulated 124 caps and will be replaced by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Thomas Muller: Bayern Munich Veteran
35-year-old Thomas Muller joined the retired XI following his retirement from international football after Euro 2024.
He played a pivotal role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, scoring five goals and earning the Silver Ball and Silver Boot.
Muller made 147 appearances, scoring 45 goals.
Ilkay Gundogan: Germany and Manchester City’s Midfield Maestro
Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement on August 19, 2024, after 105 appearances and 20 goals for Germany.
Luis Suarez: Uruguay’s Goal-Scoring Legend
Luis Suarez ended his international career following Uruguay’s Copa America semi-final run.
His final match was a goalless draw against Paraguay on September 7, 2024. Suarez earned 142 caps and scored 69 goals, the most for Uruguay.
Angel Di Maria: Argentina’s Unsung Hero
Angel Di Maria retired after winning Copa America 2024, adding to his 2022 World Cup and Finalissima triumphs.
The Argentine unsung hero scored in the 2021 Copa America final and Qatar World Cup final.
Kieran Trippier: England’s Defensive Mainstay
Kieran Trippier ended his international career after Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old was capped 54 times with his only goal coming against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat in Moscow. He also captained England three times.
Marcelo Brozovic: Croatia’s Midfield Talent
Brozovic was one of the gifted midfielders in Croatia squad who has called time on his international career following their group-stage exit at Euro 2024.
Marcelo Brozovic retired after making 99 appearances.
Antoine Griezmann: France’s Versatile Star
Griezmann won the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with France and made his senior debut in 2014. He went on to earn 137 caps and score 44 goals, ranking as France’s third-most capped player and fourth-highest goalscorer.
He joined the retired XI after announcing his retirement from international football on September 30, 2024 amassing 162 total appearances for France while scoring 51 goals.
Jesus Navas: Spain’s Experienced playmaker
Jesus Navas won the 2010 World Cup, two European Championships, and the 2022-23 Nations League.
Notably, Navas became the oldest Spanish player to feature in a major tournament aged 38 years and 216 days in the 2024 Euro.
Spain would go on to win the tournament, beating England 2–1 in the final, and he immediately announced his international retirement.
Jan Vertonghen: Belgium’s Record Holder
Vertonghen made his international debut for Belgium in 2007 and his 157 caps (including three unofficial games, according to FIFA rules) are the most in the history of the national team.
On 5 July 2024, after 17 years and a record 157 caps for Belgium, Vertonghen is also a notable player who announced his retirement from international football in 2024.
Fabian Schar: Switzerland’s Defensive Rock
After playing at the 2012 Olympics, Schar made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2013.
He represented the nation at the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018 and 2022, as well as the UEFA European Championship in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
He made 96 appearances for his country and netted 9 goals before announced his retirement from international football on 26th August 2024.
These legendary players will be remembered for their outstanding contributions to international football.
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