Everton defender Maier announces retirement from international football | OneFootball

Everton’s German defender Leonie Maier has announced her retirement from international football at the age of 30.

The full-back has informed Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg of her decision and her international retirement has been confirmed by The German Football Association, The DFB.

Maier made her senior international debut for Germany in early 2013. She netted her first goal against Canada in an international friendly match later that year. The player has collected 79 senior international caps for her country in which she has scored 11 goals. Maier won the UEFA Women’s EURO with Germany in 2013 along with the Algarve Cup the following year. She was also a Gold Medalist with Germany at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

After announcing her retirement, Maier said “With the first women’s international match, a dream came true for me. I played for Germany with heart, passion and pride for 10 years and I always saw it as a privilege. I’m very proud and grateful for what we have achieved together as a team.

“A big thank you to everyone who has supported me through this incredible and unforgettable time.”

Maier will now focus solely on her club career with Everton. The player is in her second season with The Blue Girls after joining the club in summer 2021.