Antonio Rudiger set for Berlin tribute after ending Germany career

Antonio Rudiger will receive an official farewell from Germany before the Nations League meeting with the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday, 16 November.

The German Football Association will honour the 33-year-old defender in his home city to mark a 12-year international career in which he won 86 caps and scored three goals. His final appearance for Germany came at the 2026 World Cup.

Germany manager Jurgen Klopp first revealed plans for a farewell ceremony during a news conference on 5 November, when he said one of the country’s longstanding internationals would be given the recognition and thanks he deserved. German media subsequently identified Rudiger as the player involved.

Rudiger announced his international retirement on 1 September, saying he had taken time to consider the decision before bringing his Germany career to an end. His intention was to make room for a younger generation and focus fully on his career with Real Madrid.

“After taking some time to think about it, I feel that the time has come to end my career with the national team and make room for the younger generation,” Rudiger said in a statement.

He added that representing Germany had been an exceptional chapter in his life. Although he did not win a major international trophy in the latter stages of his career and endured a number of painful defeats, Rudiger said his time with the national side would remain an important part of his football journey.

Rudiger made his Germany debut on 13 May 2014 in a goalless friendly draw against Poland under Joachim Low. He soon established himself as a key member of the team’s defence.

The defender played at three World Cups, in 2018, 2022 and 2026, as well as two European Championships. His biggest international success came at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia, where he helped Germany win the tournament under Low.

Germany used a team containing several younger and reserve players during that competition as preparation for the 2018 World Cup.

Despite his lengthy international career, Rudiger did not win either the World Cup or the European Championship. Germany went out in the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, while their final tournament with Rudiger ended in the last 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

They were beaten by Paraguay on penalties, losing 4-3 after the match had finished level in normal time.

According to German Football Association statistics, Rudiger’s 86 appearances included 44 victories, 21 draws and 21 defeats. His three goals leave him joint 21st in Germany’s all-time appearance list alongside Oliver Kahn and Andreas Brehme.