Sara Dabritz has confirmed that she is retiring from international football after more than a decade of success with the Germany women’s national team.
The 30-year-old midfielder made her debut in 2013 and went on to represent her country 111 times, scoring 18 goals.
She leaves behind an exceptional legacy that includes winning the 2013 Women’s European Championship in Sweden and claiming Olympic gold at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
At club level, Dabritz’s career has taken her from SC Freiburg to FC Bayern München before moving abroad to Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. This past summer, she began a new chapter by joining Real Madrid.
Germany midfielder Sara Dabritz reveals decision to retire
In her farewell message, Dabritz reflected on her journey with gratitude and emotion. “I look back with a lot of gratitude on a wonderful international career that will always have a place in my heart. From my first game right through to the last, I always wore the shirt with pride, joy and humility. It’s been a great privilege to represent my country.”
She also expressed her admiration for how far women’s football has come during her time with the national side. “I’ve seen it all, from playing in front of just 2,000 people to walking out into the incredible atmosphere of sold-out stadiums. I’m so proud of how far things have come and I’m especially excited for the next generation, who can continue the work we’ve done and build even more support for women’s football in Germany.”
After 12 years with the national side, Dabritz said the decision felt right.
She said: “Now is the right time to say goodbye. I thank everyone who has supported me along the way, from coaches and training staff to teammates who have shared so many unforgettable moments. You are amazing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Germany tributes to Dabritz
DFB vice-president Sabine Mammitzsch praised Germany midfielder Sara Dabritz after her international retirement. character and influence. “I’ve known Sara a long time and have followed her career from the very beginning. Her humility, genuineness, humour and skill make her unique. She’s enriched all of us and has played an influential role in women’s football for years. I wish her all the best for the rest of her career. We’re really going to miss her.”
Sporting director Nia Künzer also paid tribute, describing Dabritz as “a true role model, a wonderful person and an exceptional player.”
National team head coach Christian Wuck echoed those sentiments. “Sara was a constant presence in Germany’s midfield for many years. Her intelligence, composure and leadership made her a true example for others. She can look back on her international career with a lot of pride. From the bottom of my heart, I wish her all the best with Real Madrid.”
Sara Dabritz’s international career
Däbritz’s international journey began in 2010 when she featured for Germany’s U15 side against the Netherlands. She quickly made her mark, winning the U17 European Championship as captain in 2012 and lifting the U20 World Cup in 2014.
Her senior debut came on June 29, 2013, at Munich’s Allianz Arena against Japan. It was the start of a decade filled with milestones. She went on to play for Germany at three World Cups and four European Championships, winning the EURO title in 2013 and celebrating Olympic gold in Rio three years later.
Her last appearance for the national team came in the Euro 2025 semi-final against Spain.
What’s next for Germany?
Germany play a two-legged Women’s Nation League semi-final with Germany later this month.
They host Les Bleus on October 24th before travelling to France on October 28th.
Germany have been boosted by the return of Giulia Gwinn, after the Bayern Munich star suffered a tournament-ending knee injury at Euro 2025.
