Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Antonio Rudiger Announces Retirement From Germany’s International Football
Antonio Rudiger has decided to stop playing for Germany’s national team.
He is a defender who plays for Real Madrid.
His last game for Germany was against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.
Germany lost that match in the Round of 32.
Rudiger first played for Germany in 2014.
He appeared in 86 international matches.
He said winning a major title with Germany had eluded the team.
He also said his time with the national team was very special and that he wanted younger players to have an opportunity.
Antonio Rudiger announced his retirement from Germany’s international football team on Tuesday.
His final match was Germany’s Round of 32 defeat by Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.
The Real Madrid center-back made his Germany debut in 2014.
Rudiger finished his international career with 86 appearances for Germany.
He said he wanted to make way for the younger generation after reflecting on his career.
- Who
- Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid defender and Germany international.
- What
- He announced his retirement from international football.
- When
- Tuesday; his international career began in 2014 and ended after the 2026 World Cup.
- Where
- With Germany’s national team; his final match was at the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay.
- Why
- He said he had reflected on the decision and wanted to clear the way for the younger generation.
- Player
- Antonio Rudiger
- National team
- Germany
- International appearances
- 86
- International debut
- 2014
- Final match
- Germany’s Round of 32 loss to Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup
- Club
- Real Madrid
- Major titles
- Rudiger said the team had not won a major title at the last tournaments