Germany defender Rudiger announces international retirement
- On Tuesday, German defender Antonio Rudiger announced his retirement from international football after 86 caps for Germany. The 33-year-old said he would "clear the way for the young generation" and focus entirely on his club career.
- Rudiger served Germany for over a decade, participating in the 2018 World Cup group stage exit and the 2021 European Championships. His final appearance came during this summer's FIFA World Cup, where Julian Nagelsmann's squad suffered a round of 32 defeat against Paraguay.
- Rudiger's international highlight was winning the 2017 Confederations Cup, though he also played in the 2024 European Championships. He described his time as "an incredibly special chapter for me—one that will shape me forever."
- With a new era beginning under manager Jose Mourinho, Rudiger aims to "fully focus on my club" at Real Madrid. He started in Sunday's 4-0 win against Malaga after beginning the season on the bench.
- Germany now prepares for a rebuild under manager Jurgen Klopp as Rudiger steps aside. His departure marks a significant transition for the defensive unit and the beginning of a new era for the squad.
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82 Articles
Germany defender Antonio Rudiger announces international football retirement
Antonio Rudiger has retired from international football after 86 appearances for Germany. The decision closes a 12-year chapter and opens space for younger defenders as he turns fully to club football.
The defender Antonio Rüdiger ran for the first time for the German national football team in 2014. Now he wants to »clear the way for the young generation«.
Radio France Internationale
Germany defender Rudiger announces international retirement
The 33-year-old made 86 appearances for the four-time world champions. "After some time reflecting, the moment has come for me to end my national team career and clear the way for the young generation," Rudiger said in a social media post. Rudiger made his debut in 2014, a month before Germany won the World Cup, but was not included in the squad which travelled to Brazil. The centre-back said he wanted to focus on his club side Real Madrid, wher…
After twelve years of wearing the Mannschaft jersey, Real Madrid's defender announced his international retirement at 33 years of age. He played 86 games including the last in the World Cup this summer against Paraguay.
Germany defender Rudiger announces international retirement after disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026
Rudiger made his Germany debut a month before the World Cup in 2014 but wasn’t included in Joachim Loew’s final squad that went on to win the nation’s fourth World Cup title in Brazil.
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