German defender Antonio Rüdiger has announced his retirement from the German national team.
The 33-year-old has ended his international career with the “Die Mannschaft” after making 86 appearances.
Rüdiger announced his decision on Tuesday through a social media post, explaining that he wants to make way for the next generation of footballers.
“After a period of reflection, the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the next generation,” Rüdiger wrote.
The centre-back made his Germany debut in 2014, shortly before the German national team won the World Cup in Brazil. However, he was not part of the squad that travelled to the tournament.
Rüdiger will now focus entirely on his club, Real Madrid, with whom he is under contract until the end of this season.
“For me, a new chapter now begins, one in which I will focus entirely on my club,” the German footballer stated.
The match against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup was also Rüdiger’s final appearance in a Germany shirt.
“Although we fell short of winning the major title at the last tournaments and suffered some painful defeats, this period has been an incredibly special chapter for me and will shape me forever,” he added.
Rüdiger’s greatest achievement with the national team remains winning the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
