Former Germany captain Birgit Prinz retired from women’s football yesterday, ending a storied career that included two World Cup and five European titles.

The 33-year-old Prinz had already quit the national team after Germany was ousted from this year’s Women’s World Cup by Japan in the quarter-finals.

“The time has come for me to end my career as an active football player after 25 years,” said Prinz, who had been under contract with FFC Frankfurt since 2002. “This is not an easy decision for me, because playing football was always a big passion of mine. But now feels like the right moment.”

Prinz became the symbol of German women’s football by making 214 international appearances, scoring 128 goals and driving the team to World Cup wins in 2003 and 20007. Similar to United States star Mia Hamm, Prinz defined the women’s game in a country where the sport had long been derided as little more than a joke.

“Prinz played at the highest level for years and has done an awful lot done for women’s soccer,” said Germany coach Silvia Neid. “She was instrumental in all the successes of the national team.”

The three-time World Player of the Year — in 2003, 2004 and 2005 — lost her title to Brazil star Marta. Prinz and Marta are tied for most World Cup goals with 14 each.

“Now I look back and think my career went well. Even if the end wasn’t optimal,” Prinz said. “I had a super time. That stays at the forefront.”