Players who retired from international football in 2024

• The year 2024 is one that was marked with various major international tournaments
• From Luis Suarez to Pepe and Angel Di Maria, there are several world-class players who decided to hang up their boots from international matches in 2024
• While announcing his retirement, Kieran Trippier thanked former England boss Gareth Southgate for trusting him over the years.

This articles brings you the names of prominent players who retired from international football in 2024. The year 2024 is one that was marked with various major international tournaments – Africa Cup of Nations, European Championship, Copa America and Asian Cup. As usual, these major international events are often marked with notable retirements, and the just ended year was no different.

From former Barcelona star Luis Suarez to ex-Real Madrid teammates Toni Kroos and Angel Di Maria, there are several world-class players who decided to hang up their boots from international matches. In this article, SportsLeo brings you the list of renowned players who retired from international football in 2024.

1. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez. Photo/ ESPN.

At one point, Uruguay’s attack was a force to be reckoned with due to the dynamic duo of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. But months after Cavani quit international football, the attack is now led with new faces as Suarez also decided to end his career with the national team.

Suarez announced his retirement from international football in September 2024 after leading Uruguay to the semi-final of the Copa America. His last match was a World Cup qualifier at home against Paraguay. The 37-year-old, who has enjoyed an illustrious career with Liverpool and Barcelona, remains a key player for Inter Miami.

2. Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria is undoubtedly one of the best wingers of his generation. The 36-year-old has achieved great success playing at club level for Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

In international football, he also proved to be a football genius leading Argentina to triumph in Copa America, FIFA World Cup and Finalissima. Di Maria scored the only goal as Lionel Scolani’s side beat Brazil to win the 2021 Copa America. Months later, he scored in the World Cup final as Argentina beat France on penalty shoot-outs to win the match. Unfortunately, he rarely gets the credit he deserves due to teammate Lionel Messi who often takes credit for the big wins.

Di Maria announced his retirement from international football in the summer after helping Argentina defend the Copa America title they won three years ago.

3. Pepe

Pepe, one of the best defenders in recent years, ended his professional football career in the summer of 2024 after helping Portugal reach the quarter-final of the European Championship.

Pepe, who was a fierce defender until his retirement, made 141 appearances for his his country. The former Real Madrid man retired at the age of 41 and will be remembered for helping Portugal win Euro 2016.

4. Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud. Photo/ CaughtOffside.

France’s all-time leading goalscorer Olivier Giroud was an under-appreciated talent for the most part of his career with the national team. The former Arsenal player scored 57 goals in 137 matches and helped his nation win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League titles.

Giroud’s last match with France was at Euro 2024 where France reached the semi-final stage. At 38, he is in the twilight of his professional career and currently playing for Los Angeles FC of the Major League Soccer.

5. Manuel Neuer

Next up on the list of players who retired from international football in 2024 is Germany’s Manuel Neuer. Considered by many one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Neuer has been sensational since starting his football journey. The 38-year-old played a big role in Germany’s dominance and eventual triumph at the 2014 World Cup.

Neuer hanged his boots from international duty in the summer after helping Germany reach the quarter-final of the Euros tournament at home. He made 124 appearances for Germany and was captain in 61 games. His place in the national team has been taken by Barcelona’s shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

6. Kieran Trippier

Kieran Tripper. Photo/ beIN SPORTS.

After 54 matches, Kieran Trippier announced his retirement from international football in 2024. The 33-year-old was part of England’s squad at Euro 2024 and helped his nation reach the final of the tournament, where they lost to Spain.

While announcing his retirement, Trippier thanked former England boss Gareth Southgate for trusting him over the years.

Conclusion

Apart from the aforementioned names, there are other players who retired from international football in 2024. Germany lost some of the most renowned footballers in the history of the game as Neuer, Ilkay Gundogan, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos all hanged their boots after the Euros tournament.

Other prominent footballers who we won’t see in action in the coming years after passing on the torch to the younger generation in 2024 include Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland), Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia), Dusan Tadic (Serbia) and Antoine Griezmann (France).