World Cup and Olympic champion Babett Peter of Germany said on Monday she would end her glittering footballing career after the season.

Real Madrid captain Peter, 33, said on Instagram: “An unforgettable journey comes to an end. In summer, after almost two decades, I am turning my back on active sports and starting a new chapter in my life.

“In my time, as a professional footballer, I have had the privilege of experiencing unforgettable moments, winning many trophies, but also having painful defeats, failures, and learning some of my most important life lessons,” the defender added.

Peter won 118 caps including the 2007 World Cup, the Euros in 2009 and Olympic gold in 2016. At club level she has one Champions League and eight Bundesliga titles with former clubs Turbine Potsdam, FFC Frankfurt and Wolfsburg before moving to Spain two years ago.

Peter is engaged to former American player Ella Masar and will join her in the US in summer, while not losing her connection to the sport.

“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and look forward to taking women’s football forward outside the field from July on,” Peter said.