Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from the Germany national team after more than a decade of international football.
The 33-year-old defender decided to step down from international duty to focus entirely on his club career in Spain. Spanish sports daily Marca reported that his decision follows discussions with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who assured Rudiger that he will be a key starter under his new tactical project.
Decade with the national team
Rudiger confirmed his decision in a statement published on social media on Tuesday, September 1. He wrote that after taking time to reflect, he felt the moment had arrived to end his career with the national team and clear the path for a younger generation of players.
Reflecting on his international journey, the defender noted that when he first wore the Germany shirt in 2014, he never imagined he would go on to earn 86 senior caps for his country.
Although Germany missed out on a major trophy during recent international tournaments and suffered several disappointing defeats, Rudiger described his time representing his country as a unique chapter of his life that would stay with him forever.
Tributes to coaches and teammates
Rudiger paid tribute to his international teammates, thanking them for their camaraderie in the dressing room and team hotel, as well as the lasting friendships built beyond football. He also expressed gratitude to German supporters, singling out the unforgettable atmosphere created by fans during EURO 2024, which Germany hosted.
The defender expressed particular gratitude to the managers who shaped his international career. He gave special thanks to former Germany head coaches Joachim Low and Hansi Flick, current manager Julian Nagelsmann, and his former youth national team mentor Horst Hrubesch.
Germany, four-time World Cup winners known as the Mannschaft, reached the quarter-finals of EURO 2024 on home soil. Low led Germany to World Cup victory in 2014 before Flick and Nagelsmann subsequently took charge of the national setup.
Rudiger concluded his message by thanking fans for the shared journey over the past decade and stating that he is now fully committed to starting a new chapter with Real Madrid.
