Rüdiger Retires From International Football
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 12-year career with the German national team.
The 33-year-old centre-back confirmed his decision on social media on Tuesday, saying he had reflected on his future before deciding it was time to step away and give younger players an opportunity.
Rüdiger made his Germany debut in 2014 and went on to earn 86 international caps. He represented the four-time world champions at three FIFA World Cups and several European Championships, while also helping Germany win the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
His final appearance for Germany came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32.
Despite Germany's struggles at recent major tournaments, Rüdiger described his time with the national team as a special and memorable chapter of his career.
The defender, who has enjoyed a highly successful club career with the likes of AS Roma, Chelsea and Real Madrid, said he will now concentrate fully on his club career.
Rüdiger won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before joining Real Madrid in 2022, where he added another Champions League title and a La Liga crown in 2024.
His retirement marks the end of an era for a defender who became a key figure in Germany's back line over more than a decade.
The 33-year-old centre-back confirmed his decision on social media on Tuesday, saying he had reflected on his future before deciding it was time to step away and give younger players an opportunity.
Rüdiger made his Germany debut in 2014 and went on to earn 86 international caps. He represented the four-time world champions at three FIFA World Cups and several European Championships, while also helping Germany win the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
His final appearance for Germany came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32.
Despite Germany's struggles at recent major tournaments, Rüdiger described his time with the national team as a special and memorable chapter of his career.
The defender, who has enjoyed a highly successful club career with the likes of AS Roma, Chelsea and Real Madrid, said he will now concentrate fully on his club career.
Rüdiger won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before joining Real Madrid in 2022, where he added another Champions League title and a La Liga crown in 2024.
His retirement marks the end of an era for a defender who became a key figure in Germany's back line over more than a decade.
