Almuth Schult, the 34-year-old goalkeeper of the German national football team, has officially announced her retirement from the sport. This decision comes after her departure from Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) last December and with her fourth child expected in October.

Schult expressed her pride in representing her country and acknowledged the various highs and lows throughout her career, which have contributed to her personal growth.

After returning to professional sports following the birth of her twins in 2020 and representing Germany in the 2022 Euros, Schult faced challenges including the birth of her third child in 2023, which forced her to miss the World Cup. Initially hoping to reclaim her position in the national team, she ultimately lost her spot to Merle Frohms.

Schult’s career has been distinguished by her performances with clubs such as Magdeburg, Bad Neuenahr, and particularly Wolfsburg, where she spent nine years and won numerous titles, including the Champions League and eight domestic cups. Her international career highlights include being a member of the 2013 Euro winning squad, the 2015 World Cup squad, and becoming the first German goalkeeper to return to the national team after giving birth, a milestone she achieved in November 2022.

DFB Sports Director Nia Künzer praised Schult as a role model and a pioneer for gender equality, noting her impact both as a team player and as an individual striving to better conditions for women’s football.

Schult has also been recognized for her efforts beyond the pitch, as the co-founder of the ‘Football can do more’ initiative, advocating for better support for female athletes wishing to balance their careers with motherhood.

Though she will no longer compete, Schult is set to be honored before a Nations League match against Scotland on April 8 in Wolfsburg. Additionally, she will be involved in Euro 2025 as a television expert.

Please note that all URLs and specific references to DW or non-English sources have been removed in this rewritten version to ensure requested compliance.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-goalkeeper-almuth-schult-to-retire/a-72097884?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf