Introduction to Sara Däbritz’s Career
Sara Däbritz, a midfielder with 111 appearances and 18 goals for her country, has announced her retirement from the international football stage at the age of 30. She won the 2013 European Championships and the gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Reflection on Her Career
"If someone had told me all this when I was a little five-year-old girl – I would hardly have believed it. But that was exactly my biggest dream," she wrote in an Instagram post announcing the decision. "From the first game to the last, I wore the jersey with pride, joy and humility. It was a great privilege to play for my country."
Major Achievements and Career Path
Däbritz made her debut for Germany in 2013, shortly before the European Championships. At the tournament, she appeared as a substitute in the group stages and quarter-finals, helping her country win their eighth continental title. Over the next 12 years, she took part in all major competitions for Germany, becoming a fixture of an era in which women’s football grew in popularity at home and abroad.
Impact on Women’s Football
For her, this advancement was an important part of her career. "I’ve seen both sides – from games with 2,000 spectators to sold-out stadiums with a phenomenal atmosphere. I’m incredibly proud of this development. And I’m especially looking forward to the next generation, who can follow this path and make the enthusiasm for German women’s football even greater."
Future Plans
Despite her plans to no longer play for the national team, Däbritz has no plans to stop playing football anytime soon. Her next challenge will be at Real Madrid. After spells with Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain in France, she moved to the Spanish team this summer. Däbritz follows in the footsteps of experienced strikers and goalkeeper who have ended their Germany careers since the 2023 World Cup.
