Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has announced his decision to retire from international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old Germany international confirmed the news in a statement posted on his Instagram profile.

“After giving it some thought, I feel that now is the right time to end my career with the national team and make way for the next generation.

When I first put on the Germany shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined that it would eventually lead to 86 appearances for my country. Although we were unable to lift the biggest trophy at the last few tournaments and suffered some painful defeats, this period has been an incredibly special chapter of my life that will stay with me forever.”

Rudiger, who earned 86 caps for Germany, went on to thank his team-mates, coaches and supporters for their backing throughout his international career.

He concluded his statement by looking ahead to the next stage of his career:

“A new chapter begins for me now, one in which I will be fully focused on my club. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.”