Rüdiger ends Germany career after 12 years and 86 international appearances

Antonio Rüdiger has ended his career with Germany after more than 12 years and 86 international appearances. The 33-year-old defender announced the decision on social media, 16 days before Germany is due to name its squad for Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia.

Rüdiger made his international debut on May 13, 2014, in a goalless draw against Poland. He was not selected for that year’s World Cup in Brazil, where Germany won the title.

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After taking some time to reflect, the moment has come for me to end my career with the German national team and open the way for the new generation.

“I never could have imagined, not even in my dreams, that I would play 86 international matches,” Rüdiger said of his time with the national team. He represented Germany at five tournaments and started in the team that won the Confederations Cup in 2017.

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I never could have imagined, not even in my dreams, that I would play 86 international matches.

At Euro 2024, Germany reached the quarterfinals before losing 2-1 to Spain. Rüdiger said the team had suffered painful defeats in recent tournaments and missed out on the biggest title, but described his time with Germany as an exceptionally special chapter that would stay with him forever.

“After taking some time to reflect, the moment has come for me to end my career with the German national team and open the way for the new generation,” he wrote. He said he would now begin a new chapter focused entirely on his club and thanked those who had shared the journey with him.

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Although the major title eluded us in the last tournaments and we had to absorb some painful defeats, this time has been an extremely special chapter for me that will stay with me forever.