After 120 appearances and 24 national team goals, beloved German footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger has closed the curtain on an illustrious international career.
So what better way to celebrate than to take a look back at Schweinsteiger’s most memorable international moments.
5. First international appearance
Bursting onto the scene as a fresh-faced 19-year-old, Schweinsteiger earned the opportunity to represent the senior side in Germany’s UEFA Euro 2004 campaign, in Portugal.
Schweinsteiger wouldn’t have to wait long to start his international career, featuring in Germany’s 2-0 pre-tournament friendly defeat at the hands of Hungary.
Schweinsteiger would go on to feature in all three of Germany’s group stage fixtures.
4. Scoring in style
In front of a lively, German-filled Monchengladbach crowd of 46,000, Schweinsteiger scored a goal on either side of halftime to help his side to a 2-2 draw against a determined Russia, embedding himself in the heart of every national fans.
3. Winning bronze in Germany
As the host nation of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it was supposed to be Germany’s year. Yet, even buoyed by their nation’s support, the hosts were knocked out 2-0, deep in extra-time, in the semi-finals against eventual winners, Italy.
Spurred on by the defeat, Germany took home bronze after a 3-1 demolition of a Cristiano Ronaldo-lead Portugal. Schweinsteiger personally scored two of his side’s goals, highlighting why he was considered one of the best midfielders in the world.
2. Euro 2016
Euro 2016 would be Schweinsteiger’s last run at international glory, with the champion saying in a heartfelt message on Facebook, “Euro 2016 would have meant so much to me, but it wasn’t meant to be and I have to accept it.”
Schweinsteiger scored in Germany’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine, however they were bundled out by host-nation France in a disappointing 2-0 semi-final defeat.
1. World Cup glory
2014 saw Germany take home the biggest prize in international football, the FIFA World Cup.
Looking strong from start to finish, the Germans won 1-0 in a hard-fought final against Argentina.
Schweinsteiger was pivotal in the victory, showing why his vacancy in the centre of midfield will be hard to fill.
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