Germany and Roma Defender Mats Hummels Confirms Retirement Plans

Germany and Roma defender Mats Hummels has confirmed his plans to retire from football at the end of the season. Look back at his impressive career, including his World Cup win and multiple league titles.

Mats Hummels, the renowned Roma defender and 2014 World Cup winner, has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the season. In an emotional Instagram video, the 36-year-old reflected on his 18-year journey, saying, “After more than 18 years of everything football has given me, I'm ending my career this summer.”

Hummels' illustrious career began at Bayern Munich's juniors, where he made his debut at 18. He then moved to Borussia Dortmund, becoming a core part of Jurgen Klopp's two-time title-winning team. Alongside fellow centre-back Jerome Boateng, Hummels played every minute of the 2014 World Cup final, helping Germany defeat Argentina 1-0 and secure their fourth World Cup title.

Throughout his career, Hummels has earned numerous accolades, including five Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal trophies, and three German Supercup titles. He has also made 78 appearances for Germany, playing a crucial role in their World Cup victory. As he prepares to hang up his boots, Hummels expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family, saying, “It takes a lot, just having the right coaches at the right time, being fit at the right time, having the right teammates at the right time.”

Mats Hummels' illustrious career took another turn when he returned to Bayern Munich, where he won three more league titles. However, his pursuit of a Champions League title remained elusive. His return to Bayern was met with criticism from some Dortmund fans, who felt he had betrayed the club.

🚨 BREAKING: Mats Hummels to RETIRE from professional football at the end of the current season.

Decision made by German defender who’s leaving AS Roma. pic.twitter.com/JRqOu4FdCe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 4, 2025

Hummels' failure to win the Champions League is a notable omission from his otherwise impressive resume. He returned to Dortmund in 2019, only to see Bayern win the Champions League title the following year. Hummels did appear in two Champions League finals, both times with Dortmund and both times at Wembley, but ended up on the losing side on both occasions, in 2013 and not in 2024.

Throughout his career, Hummels has made an indelible mark on German football. He played 508 matches for Dortmund and 118 for Bayern, earning 78 caps for Germany in the process. After moving to Roma in 2024, Hummels will retire having played just one season for the Serie A club. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann paid tribute to Hummels, saying, “A benchmark at the international level and a role model for a generation of defenders.”