Mats Hummels Announces Retirement: A Legendary Career Comes to an End

Mats Hummels to Retire at Season's End

World Cup-winning German defender Mats Hummels has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season. The 36-year-old, who is out of contract with Serie A club Roma in June, shared the emotional news on his social media accounts.

"I'm struggling with my emotions right now," Hummels said. "Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid. After 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I'm ending my career this summer."

A Stellar Career

Hummels was a key member of the Germany national team that triumphed in the 2014 World Cup. He earned 78 caps for his country between 2010 and 2023, scoring five goals. Current Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised Hummels as "a benchmark at the international level and a role model for a generation of defenders."

Early Beginnings and Club Success

Born in Bergisch Gladbach, Hummels came through the youth ranks of Bayern Munich and made his first-team debut for the Bavarian club at the age of 18 in May 2007. He joined Borussia Dortmund in January 2008, initially on loan, and became a pivotal part of the team that won the Bundesliga twice under Jurgen Klopp.

Hummels returned to Bayern Munich in 2016, where he added three more German league titles to his name. He later rejoined Dortmund for a second spell in 2019. The center-back played in two Champions League finals (2013 and 2024) with Dortmund, unfortunately ending on the losing side both times.

Legacy and Final Chapter

Hummels played 508 matches for Dortmund and 118 matches for Bayern Munich. He joined Roma in 2024 on a free transfer and has made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Giallorossi this season. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of Germany's most celebrated defenders.