Women

Svenja Huth retires from Germany duty

VfL’s 33-year-old captain will no longer be available for international selection.

VfL-Wolfsburg-Spielerin Huth läuft mit dem Ball in einem Spiel für die deutsche Nationalmannschaft.

After 18 years and numerous major international honours, former European and Olympic champion Svenja Huth has announced her immediate retirement from Germany duty. The 33-year-old VfL captain told the German Football Association (DFB): “I look back on my 18 years as an international player with great pride and humility. Together with our fans, we’ve not only been able to celebrate major titles but also get back on our feet together after setbacks. I’m happy I was able to play my part in securing our spot at the Olympics.

“That said, it’s been a physically and mentally challenging and exhausting time, so I’ve come to the decision to end my career with the national team. I’m now looking forward to representing my club, a bit more time at home with my family and, hopefully, a successful tournament for the girls.”

88 Germany Caps

Huth won the European Under-17 Championship in 2008 before lifting the Under-20 World Cup two years later. She made her senior international debut in a friendly against Sweden on 26 October 2011, and six months later she played a key role off the bench to help Germany lift the 2012 Algarve Cup. Huth was part of the Germany side that won the Women’s European Championship in 2013 before helping her country win gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Overall, she earned 88 senior caps for Germany.