Sierra Leone’s veteran defender Steven Caulker announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, AfricaSoccer.com can confirm.
The former England international, who switched allegiance to Sierra Leone in 2021, has made a significant impact on the nation’s football history.
During his three-year tenure with the Leone Stars, Caulker captained the team and played a crucial role in their resurgence on the international stage.
Caulker’s leadership was pivotal in Sierra Leone’s memorable 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, which marked their first appearance in over two decades.
His decision to retire comes shortly after stepping down as the national team captain, citing a broken system following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
In his retirement announcement, Caulker expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leonean football community.
“I have made the difficult decision to retire from international football. I have achieved 20 caps and participated in one AFCON tournament,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
The former Tottenham, QPR, and Liverpool defender originally made one appearance for England in November 2012 before switching allegiance to Sierra Leone.
Throughout his international career with the Leone Stars, Caulker earned 20 caps, providing stability and experience to the team.
Although his presence on the field will be missed, Caulker’s dedication and commitment to Sierra Leonean football have set a standard for future generations.
