Former Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult ends career

Former German women's national team goalkeeper Almuth Schult has ended her trophy laden career, the German Football Federation (DFB) said.

Schult, 34, won the Euro 2013 title and Olympic gold in 2016 with Germany, plus the Champions League, six Bundesliga titles and eight German Cups with Wolfsburg. She last played at US club Kansas City Current.

Schult won 66 Germany caps between 2012 and 2022. She was a starter for many years from 2015 onwards but like in 2013 an unused squad member at her last big event, Euro 2022.

"A career is characterised by ups and downs, and I'm happy about every single one of them. They have shaped me and allowed me to learn," she said in the DFB statement.

"Thank you to everyone who has accompanied me along the way."

The DFB said that Schult became the first player to return into the national team from maternity leave, and that she was pregnant with her fourth child.

A farewell ceremony for Schult is planned before Germany's Nations League match against Scotland on April 8 in Wolfsburg, the DFB said.

"Almuth was and is one of the most influential personalities in women's football in recent years," DFB vice president Sabine Mammitzsch said.

"She has pursued her path with determination and unwavering determination, proving that it is possible to return to competitive sport even as a mother of several children. In doing so, she has become a role model for many young women."