Antonio Rudiger retires from international football after 86 Germany appearances

Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football, ending his Germany career with 86 caps and three goals despite never winning a major senior tournament with the national team.

The Real Madrid defender confirmed his decision in a statement on his account on X, saying he had reached the right moment to step aside and allow younger players to take his place.

“After a period of consideration, the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation,” Rudiger wrote.

Rudiger made his Germany debut in a friendly against Poland in May 2014. Although he was part of the wider generation around the team that won the 2014 World Cup, he was not included in Germany’s final squad for the tournament in Brazil.

He went on to establish himself as an important member of the national side and represented Germany at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. Germany won that competition, making it the only international trophy Rudiger claimed during his career with the senior team.

Reflecting on his time with Germany, the 33-year-old said the absence of a major title in recent tournaments did not diminish what the experience had meant to him.

“When I first put on the Germany shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up making 86 international appearances,” he said.

“Although we did not win the big title at the last tournaments and had to swallow the bitterness of some painful defeats, this period formed an exceptional chapter in my life that will leave an indelible mark on me.”

Rudiger also paid tribute to the players and staff who had supported him throughout his international career.

“My heartfelt thanks go to my team-mates, for every challenge we shared and for the solidarity in the dressing room and at our accommodation, but above all for the friendships that will continue beyond football,” he added.

“To the entire coaching and administrative staff, thank you for the trust you placed in me over the years and for the work you carried out behind the scenes. Special thanks to Joachim Low, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, who accompanied me and influenced my career with the national team, as well as Horst Hrubesch, who supported me during my time in the youth teams.”

Rudiger reserved particular appreciation for Germany supporters, highlighting the atmosphere created during UEFA Euro 2024, which was hosted in Germany.

“And of course, to you, the fans, thank you for your support, especially for the unique atmosphere you created during Euro 2024 on home soil,” he said.

“For me, a new chapter now begins, one in which I will devote my full focus to my club. Thank you for this shared journey.”

Rudiger began his senior club career with VfB Stuttgart in 2012 before moving on to Roma, Chelsea and Real Madrid. He returned to action for Real Madrid against Malaga in the third round of La Liga after starting the season as a substitute in the club’s first two matches.

His international retirement brings an end to a Germany career that began shortly after the 2014 World Cup triumph but ultimately included only one title, the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.