- Ilkay Gündoğan announces his retirement from the German national football squad
Julian Nagelsmann Announces New Captain for Germany's National Football Team for the 2026 World Cup
"Gündogan: "Grateful for the Opportunity"
"Following some thoughtful contemplation, I have decided to conclude my national team journey. Reflecting on my incredible 82 international appearances for my beloved country, a feat I never imagined possible when I first donned the senior national team colors in 2011, is truly humbling," Gündogan posted on Instagram. "The pinnacle of my tenure was undeniably the remarkable privilege of spearheading the team as captain during last summer's home European Championship!"
The skilled midfielder is set to continue his career with FC Barcelona. Nevertheless, there are whispers that he may depart the Spanish football giant this summer.
Nagelsmann Relyed on Gündogan
Upon Germany's early exit against Spain at the Euros, Nagelsmann had anticipated that Gündogan would remain a crucial component of his plans for the September kickoff of the Nations League. "I'm overjoyed if he chooses to stay on board. For now, I presume he'll still be at my disposal," the national coach declared the day after the quarter-final setback against Spain. However, Nagelsmann had also hinted in July: "Ultimately, it's his prerogative to make that call and announce it publicly." Gündogan's decision, much to everyone's surprise, has now taken a different course.
Nagelsmann had also hoped that Gündogan would join forces with Toni Kroos, who had announced his retirement from professional football after the Euros, and Thomas Müller, who had decided to hang up his international boots. Nagelsmann aimed to revitalize and adapt the team, focusing on the Nations League and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Gündogan was expected to be a vital player in their quest – just as he had been during the home Euros.
Ilkay "Gündogan Replaced Philipp Lahm
Nagelsmann had highly commended Gündogan's performance during the Euros. The midfielder even garnered public acclaim. "I was thrilled to observe that he was spared the criticism that often besets national players. He's a quiet leader with an abundance of experience and a keen sense for a group," Nagelsmann expressed post-Euros.
Gündogan made his national team debut on October 11, 2011, in Düsseldorf, stepping in for captain Philipp Lahm during a 3:1 victory against Belgium in a Euro qualifier. He contributed 19 goals to the German team. Despite several injuries, the talented club player Gündogan unfortunately missed out on the 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil.
After announcing his departure from the German national team, Ilkay Gündogan will continue his career at FC Barcelona. Despite Gündogan's decision, the DFB (German Football Association) will have to find a new captain for the 2026 World Cup, as Gündogan had taken over from Philipp Lahm in 2011.
