Marcos Llorente retires from Spain duty after World Cup triumph

Marcos Llorente has ended his Spain career at the age of 31, just weeks after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the national team.

The Atletico de Madrid defender leaves international football having made 27 appearances for Spain since his senior debut in 2020. He was part of the squad that beat Argentina 1-0 in the final in July, although he remained an unused substitute in the decisive match.

Llorente said the decision had been made after careful consideration, despite acknowledging that he still felt capable of playing for Spain for several more years.

In a statement posted on Instagram, he wrote: “I realise that I’m still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to perform well, I’d still have years left to play in this jersey.”

The former Real Madrid player recognised that his decision might be difficult for supporters to understand, but said it was one he had reached personally and with considerable thought.

“I know many of you won’t understand this, and I probably wouldn’t have understood it either if I were looking at it from the outside. But it’s a personal decision – one that I’ve thought through very carefully and, above all, one that comes from the heart.”

Llorente’s international career began in 2020 and concluded with Spain at the summit of world football. His final major tournament ended with a winners’ medal, even though he did not feature in the final against Argentina.

He also used his message to reflect on the togetherness of the squad and the achievement of winning the World Cup.

“I’ll cherish everything I’ve experienced, but above all, these last 52 days,” he said.

“With a wonderful group that fought until the very end to put Spain at the top. And that’s exactly what they did.”

The 31-year-old’s retirement brings an end to his time in Spain colours after 27 caps. His international career included a place in the squad that delivered the country’s latest World Cup success, with Spain securing a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

Although Llorente did not take part in that match, he departs with the recognition of having been involved in a campaign that carried Spain to the top of the global game.

His choice also means he will not pursue further opportunities with the national side, even though he believes his performances could have allowed him to remain in contention. Llorente made clear that the timing of his decision was not based on a lack of belief in his ability, but on a personal conclusion reached after reflecting carefully on his future with Spain.

He leaves international football as a World Cup winner, with his final memories centred on the 52-day campaign and the squad that fought through to claim the trophy.