Antonio Rudiger announces retirement from international football

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football.

The 33-year-old veteran star made the announcement with an emotional post on his social media, in which he explained the reasoning behind his decision to leave the German national team setup.

Kicking things off, Rudiger mentioned that after much deliberation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, he felt that it was the right time for him to hang up his national team boots to make way for the new generation.

“After giving it some thought, the time has come for me to bring my career with the national team to a close and make way for the younger generation,” he wrote.

Looking back at his journey with the national team, Rudiger elaborated: “When I first pulled on the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up playing 86 international matches.

“Even though we didn’t win any major titles in recent tournaments and had to endure some painful defeats, this period has been an extremely special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever.”

Rudiger went on to appreciate everyone who had been a part of his journey with the German national team.

Antonio Rudiger will continue to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by Cesar Cebolla/Pressinphoto/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

He wrote:

A huge thank you goes to:

“My team-mates: For every tackle we contested together and the camaraderie in the dressing room and at our accommodation – and above all for the friendships that will last far beyond football.

“The entire coaching and support staff: thank you for your trust over the years and for all your work behind the scenes.”

Contiuing, he added: “A special thank you goes to Jogi Löw, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, who have accompanied and shaped me on my journey with the DFB. And also to my mentor in the youth national team, Horst Hrubesch.

“And, of course, to you, the fans: thank you for your support – especially for the unique atmosphere at our home European Championship in 2024.”

Concluding, Rudiger wrote: “A new chapter is now beginning for me, one in which I will focus entirely on my club. Thank you for the journey we’ve shared.”

Rudiger enjoyed a 12-years-stint with the national team, making 86 appearances and winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.

He joins Lionel Messi as one of the big names to have announced their retirement from the international stage in recent days.