After nearly two decades at the pinnacle of European soccer, a 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and current Serie A star has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season. The 36-year-old defender revealed the emotional news in a heartfelt message on social media, confirming that this summer will mark the final chapter of an exceptional journey.
With a glittering résumé that includes a World Cup, multiple Bundesliga titles, and two UEFA Champions League finals, this seasoned centre-back has made an indelible mark on the game. His announcement sent a ripple through the soccer world—an era is about to end.
Midway through the touching farewell message, we can finally confirm his name: Mats Hummels, one of Germany’s most accomplished defenders of his generation, will hang up his boots in June after a remarkable 18-year career. “I’m struggling with my emotions right now. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid. After more than 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I’m ending my career this summer,” Hummels said in a post that was both nostalgic and filled with gratitude.
Having come through the Bayern Munich academy, Hummels made his first-team debut at the age of 18 in 2007. But it was his move to Borussia Dortmund in 2008, initially on loan, that saw his career truly flourish. Under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp, he became a mainstay in a Dortmund side that won two Bundesliga titles and reached the 2013 UEFA Champions League Final, only to lose to Bayern Munich at Wembley.
In 2016, the defender returned to Bavaria, where he added three more Bundesliga crowns, before making a second switch back to Dortmund in 2019. Across his two stints, he played 508 matches for the Black and Yellows, becoming a club legend. He would also add a DFB-Pokal and several Super Cups to his trophy cabinet during his time in Germany.
International stage and global glory
For Germany, Hummels earned 78 international caps between 2010 and 2023, scoring five goals and playing a crucial role in the national team’s greatest triumph of the modern era. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Hummels was one of the standout performers, helping marshal a defence that lifted Germany to their fourth world title.
“When I see all this, I know how much this whole journey, this whole path has meant to me; how extraordinary it was to be able to experience that,” Hummels reflected in a video montage, remembering the highlights of his career.
“It takes a lot—just having the right coaches at the right time, being fit at the right time, having the right teammates at the right time. And I’ve seen so many guys, so many coaches, who I owe a lot to,” he added.
Final chapter in Italy
After his second spell at Dortmund came to an end, Hummels made one final move in 2024, joining AS Roma on a free transfer. Although he’s in the twilight of his playing days, the experienced centre-back has contributed significantly in Rome, making 18 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign.
Despite whispers of a potential contract extension, the announcement on Friday confirmed that his deal with Roma will be his last. It also means Hummels’ long and decorated career will conclude in Serie A, a fitting end for a player who has competed at the highest level across Europe.
“I will miss it—I will miss it terribly,” he concluded. And so will we.
