Three-time FIFA player of the year Birgit Prinz is officially ending one of the most illustrious careers in women's soccer.
The 34-year-old Prinz won two World Cup titles with Germany. She played in a farewell match on Tuesday with her longtime club Frankfurt against Germany. She was given a standing ovation as she came off late in the match. The president of the German soccer federation, Wolfgang Niersbach, attended the match.
''It was a fun evening and everyone had a good time,'' Prinz said. ''I had a very nice career.''
Prinz retired after last year's disappointing World Cup finish at home when Germany was eliminated early and she was relegated to the bench.
Prinz played in five World Cup tournaments and scored 14 goals, a record she shares with Marta of Brazil. In 214 matches for Germany, Prinz scored 128 goals.
She also helped Germany win five European titles and earned three Olympic bronze medals.
