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.