Antonio Rüdiger retires from German national team

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 12-year career with the German national team. The 33-year-old center-back concludes his tenure with 86 caps and three goals.

Rüdiger stated that his decision follows a period of reflection and is intended to “make way for the young generation” as the team undergoes a transition under new head coach Jürgen Klopp. His international career, which began in 2014, included appearances in three FIFA World Cups and multiple European Championships, with his sole major trophy being the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Moving forward, Rüdiger intends to focus exclusively on his club career with Real Madrid, where he remains under contract until 2027. His departure follows that of fellow veteran Manuel Neuer, marking a significant generational shift for the German squad.