Shock in World Football: Mats Hummels to Retire at the End of the Season
German football and the global game are preparing to say goodbye to one of their most accomplished defenders. Mats Hummels, 2014 World Cup champion and current AS Roma center-back, announced this Friday that he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2024-25 season.
A Career Full of Glory
In an emotional video posted on social media, the 36-year-old German confirmed his decision with heartfelt words:
“Now comes the moment no footballer can avoid. After more than 18 years and everything football has given me, I will retire this summer,” said Hummels, visibly moved.
Hummels began his journey in the Bayern Munich academy but made his name at Borussia Dortmund, where he became a cornerstone of Jürgen Klopp’s golden era. Renowned for his composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and leadership, he was one of Europe’s top center-backs for more than a decade.

A Trophy-Laden Legacy
At international level, Hummels earned 78 caps with Germany, scoring 5 goals—including a decisive header against France in the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals. He went on to lift the trophy with Die Mannschaft in Brazil 2014, a crowning moment in his illustrious career.
In club football, he won five Bundesliga titles—three with Bayern Munich (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19) and two with Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12). He also lifted the DFB-Pokal three times and played in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final with Dortmund.
As he prepares to hang up his boots, the football world reflects on the career of a true modern defender—elegant, reliable, and respected across the globe.
