Scotland defender Emma Mukandi has confirmed her retirement from all forms of football.
The 32-year-old has 75 senior caps for her country, following her debut against France back in 2011. Only 20 female players have made more appearances.
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She started her career at Glasgow City in 2008 and played for SGS Essen in the Frauen-Bundesliga, Arsenal and Reading before signing for Championship side London City Lionesses in 2023.
“It’s so hard to sum up how I feel about playing for Scotland, representing my country is without a doubt the pinnacle of my career,” said Mukandi, reflecting on her international career.
“First of all, I’m so proud to be Scottish and to pull that top on 75 times was such a privilege.
“The memories I have from all of the youth squads and into the senior side will stay with me forever.”
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Mukandi, nee Mitchell, took a break from football in 2021 to give birth to her first child, but made a remarkable return to the national team.
“It made it even more special to have Innes with me on my international journey. I never thought I’d be able to have those moments after having a baby so to come back into the squad as a Mum is one of my greatest achievements,” she said.
“The football is just one part of it, but the girls that I met along the way and the times we had together is something that I’ll always treasure.”
She was most recently called up to the full squad under Pedro Martinez Losa in December 2024, coming on in the 2-0 loss to Finland as Scotland failed to qualify for the Euros.
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“You almost can’t describe what it means to play for Scotland because it’s not just the game, but everything that comes with it.
“The pride, the heartbreak, the successes and the laughs, all done with some of the best people that I’ve ever met.”
