Germany bids farewell to a legend as striker Alexandra Popp has announced her upcoming retirement from the international game.
Popp, who is still starring for Frauen-Bundesliga giants — and perennial Bayern Munich rivals — VfL Wolfsburg, had a 14-year run with the Germany women’s national team. She made her announcement at the end of September that, “with a heavy heart”, she was hanging up her boots. She will play her final match in Germany colors on October 28 vs. Australia.
“The fire that was kindled in me 18 years ago and grew stronger from year to year has now almost burned out,” Popp said in a video, with her remarks captured by DW. “Neither my body, which is a ticking time bomb, nor anyone else should get ahead of me. Before the fire is completely extinguished — because then it would be too late — now is the right time.”
It is never easy for a star athlete to call it quits, but Popp has an illustrious international career to look back on — 67 goals, an Olympic gold medal in 2016, and a runner’s-up finish at the 2022 Women’s EUROs.
Danke, Alexandra! You have always made Germany extremely fun to watch.
