German Football Legend Almuth Schult Announces Retirement After Glittering Career
Almuth Schult Calls Time on Her Incredible Career
One of Germany’s most celebrated footballers, Almuth Schult, has announced her retirement from professional football after an illustrious career. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, known for her role in securing major titles for Germany, has decided to step away from the game after more than a decade at the top level.
Schult’s career has not only been defined by her skill between the posts but also by her pioneering journey as a mother returning to professional sports. A two-time Olympic champion and European champion, Schult’s retirement marks the end of an era in German women’s football.
Let’s take a look back at her remarkable career and the legacy she leaves behind.
The Journey of Almuth Schult: A Career Full of Triumphs and Challenges
Almuth Schult’s football journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a young goalkeeper with massive potential to one of the best in the world, Schult’s career has been full of highs and lows, challenges, and triumphs. Known for her commanding presence on the field and sharp reflexes, she was a key figure in the German national team for years.
Key Moments in Schult’s Career: Olympic Glory and European Triumphs
Schult’s career took off when she became the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany, helping her country win several major titles. Her most notable accomplishments include winning Olympic gold in 2016 and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 title, where she was instrumental in securing Germany’s triumph. Her performances at club level also earned her recognition, particularly in the Bundesliga and during her stint with Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
But Schult’s career wasn’t just about her on-field achievements. Off the pitch, she became a trailblazer for mothers in professional sports, showing that it’s possible to return to the highest level of competition after childbirth.
A Pioneering Mother in Professional Sports
Schult’s journey as a mother balancing the demands of professional sports was groundbreaking. In 2020, after the birth of her twins, she made an inspiring return to competitive football. Her decision to return to the Germany squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 was a milestone not only for her but for women in sports everywhere.
“It was always clear to me that I would be available for the national team as long as my competitive sports career lasted,” Schult shared. “It has always filled me with pride to represent my country and to hear the anthem.”
Her return to the pitch after becoming a mother was a powerful statement about the resilience and strength of women in sports, and it earned her admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Schult showed that it’s possible to balance family life with a high-stakes sports career.
Almuth Schult’s Last National Team Appearance and Transition
While Schult’s retirement marks the end of one chapter, it’s also a bittersweet turning point for the German national team. In 2023, Schult gave birth to her third child, which led to her missing out on the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite her hopes of returning to the squad, Merle Frohms had taken over as Germany’s primary goalkeeper.
In November 2024, Schult had a conversation with Germany’s head coach, Christian Wück, about the possibility of returning to the team. However, in March 2025, Wück confirmed that Ann-Katrin Berger would be the starting goalkeeper for Euro 2025 in the summer, effectively marking the end of Schult’s time with the national team.
Schult’s Final Season and Impact on Women’s Football
Although Schult did not feature at the 2023 World Cup, her contributions to the sport are undeniable. She was one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world, and her leadership both on and off the field shaped the careers of countless young athletes, particularly women in football.
Schult’s retirement also brings attention to the larger conversation surrounding mothers in sports. Her journey proves that while the physical demands of top-tier competition can be intense, there’s a growing recognition that women should not have to choose between having a family and pursuing a successful career in sports. Schult has paved the way for other athletes to follow her lead, and her impact will continue to resonate in the years to come.
Almuth Schult: Reflecting on a Career Well-Lived
Schult has always remained humble when reflecting on her career. “A career is marked by ups and downs,” she said in her retirement announcement, “and I’m happy about every single one of them. They have shaped me and taught me.”
Indeed, Schult’s career was a mix of triumphs, challenges, and perseverance. Her ability to stay focused and strong through difficult times, both personally and professionally, has made her a true role model for young athletes.
Legacy: What’s Next for Almuth Schult?
As Schult moves on from her football career, there are still many ways in which she can continue to inspire. Given her work as a trailblazer for mothers in sports, it’s likely that she will continue to advocate for gender equality and inclusion in professional athletics. Her journey can serve as a beacon of hope for female athletes who are balancing the demands of family and career.
“My love for football will always stay with me,” Schult said, and her next chapter may include roles in mentoring, coaching, or using her platform to support the next generation of players. She could even continue to advocate for policies that support mothers in sports—an area she has become incredibly passionate about over the years.
A Lasting Impact on Women’s Football
Almuth Schult’s retirement marks the end of an era for German women’s football, but her legacy will live on. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and European champion, Schult has been a key figure in the evolution of women’s football, both in Germany and internationally. Her career was defined by her strength, resilience, and determination to break barriers for mothers in professional sports.
As Schult closes this chapter of her life, she leaves behind a powerful legacy—not just as an athlete, but as a pioneer for the next generation of female athletes. Almuth Schult may be hanging up her boots, but the impact of her incredible journey will continue to inspire young women and athletes around the world.
