Germany defender Rudiger announces international retirement

Antonio Rudiger has ended his Germany career after 86 appearances, saying the time had come to clear a path for the national team’s younger generation.

The 33-year-old defender announced the decision on social media on Tuesday, two months after his final appearance for Germany at the 2026 World Cup. He also said he would now concentrate fully on Real Madrid, where he remains under contract for the rest of the season.

“

After some time reflecting, the moment has come for me to end my national team career and clear the way for the young generation.

“After some time reflecting, the moment has come for me to end my national team career and clear the way for the young generation,” Rudiger said. “A new chapter begins for me now, in which I will focus entirely on my club.”

“

A new chapter begins for me now, in which I will focus entirely on my club.

Rudiger made his Germany debut in 2014, shortly before the country won the World Cup, although he did not make the squad for the tournament in Brazil. His international career included victory in the 2017 Confederations Cup. Germany also endured disappointing results during his time in the team, exiting the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups before losing to Paraguay in the last 32 at the 2026 tournament.

“Even though the big title eluded us in recent tournaments and we had to endure some painful defeats, this time was an incredibly special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever,” he said. Rudiger developed through the Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart youth systems, played for Roma and Chelsea, and joined Real Madrid in 2022. He won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and with Real Madrid in 2024, along with La Liga in 2024.

“

Even though the big title eluded us in recent tournaments and we had to endure some painful defeats, this time was an incredibly special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever.