No statement, no farewell video, no Instagram post. Pascal Groß ended his Germany career with a single sentence in the mixed zone. “Officially, I haven’t retired yet, I don’t have social media, but I have retired. That was it for me after the World Cup,” the 35-year-old said on Saturday after Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-0 win over Premier League champions Arsenal. Just under three weeks after Antonio Rüdiger stepped away, Germany have lost a second senior figure. For Premier League fans, the timing is almost ironic: Groß is playing some of the best football of his life.
What Pascal Groß said
Pascal Groß confirmed the end of his international career on Saturday 19 September 2026, after Brighton’s 3-0 victory over Arsenal. The 35-year-old midfielder explained he had never made it official because he does not use social media, but that the decision had been made since the 2026 World Cup.
At 35, he said it was “time to wish the new generation nothing but the best”. It was a typically understated exit from a player who came late to international football, never chased headlines, but became a trusted cog in Julian Nagelsmann’s midfield.
After Rüdiger, Germany enter a new era
Groß’s departure comes just under three weeks after Antonio Rüdiger also ended his Germany career. Losing two experienced players in quick succession sends a clear message: Germany are moving into a younger cycle after the 2026 World Cup.
For England fans, that matters. Germany remain the reference point for Thomas Tuchel’s side in major tournaments, and a rebuilt Mannschaft could be more vulnerable in the short term but more dangerous by Euro 2028. The rivalry, as ever, is not retiring.
Back at Brighton and better than ever
Since returning to Brighton & Hove Albion from Borussia Dortmund, Groß has hit top form. His performance against Arsenal, described in the German press as a “gala” display, was the latest reminder that at 35 he can still dictate the tempo of a Premier League match.
That is the paradox of this announcement. Groß is not stepping away because he is fading. He is stepping away because he wants to choose his moment, a luxury very few players his age get to enjoy.
Netherlands vs Germany: first test without Groß and Rüdiger
Germany’s next assignment is a UEFA Nations League A clash with the Netherlands. It will be the first real examination of the new-look Mannschaft without two of its senior leaders, with attention turning to the younger midfielders and defenders asked to step up.
For Premier League followers, there is a familiar face on the other side too: the Netherlands squad is packed with players from English clubs, making this a fixture worth watching for far more than the German rebuild.
FAQ
Why has Pascal Groß retired from Germany?
At 35, Pascal Groß feels it is time to make way for the next generation. He said the decision was made at the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Why is it being called a ‘secret’ retirement?
Groß does not have social media and issued no official statement. He simply confirmed the decision to reporters after Brighton’s win over Arsenal.
Which other Germany player retired recently?
Antonio Rüdiger announced his retirement from the Germany national team just under three weeks before Pascal Groß.
Which club does Pascal Groß play for?
Pascal Groß plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, having returned to the club after a spell at Borussia Dortmund.
When do Germany play next?
Germany face the Netherlands in UEFA Nations League A, their first match since the international retirements of Rüdiger and Groß.
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