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Axel Witsel retires from Belgium national football team
Axel Witsel, the 37-year-old midfielder for OGC Nice, has announced his retirement from international football. The decision marks the end of an 18-year career with the Belgium national team, where he earned 140 caps.
Witsel, a key figure of Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation,’ stated on social media that it is time to “make way for the youngsters and the new generation.” He becomes the second most-capped player in Belgian history, trailing only Jan Vertonghen, who earned 157 caps.
His final appearance for the Red Devils took place during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Over his international career, Witsel participated in four World Cups and three European Championships, scoring 12 goals. His departure follows the recent international retirement of goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Entities
Axel Witsel · Belgium national football team · Jan Vertonghen · Mark van Bommel · Matz Sels · OGC Nice · Thibaut Courtois
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Axel Witsel has decided to end his international career with the Belgian national team. www.abola.pt · www.sport.fr · www.voetbalnieuws.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Thibaut Courtois is confirmed to be absent from Belgium's upcoming Nations League matches. www.abola.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matz Sels also recently announced his retirement from the Belgian national team. www.abola.pt · www.voetbalnieuws.be
- [● 2 SOURCES] Witsel made his debut in 2008 under coach René Vandereycken. www.sport.fr · www.voetbalnieuws.be
- [● 3 SOURCES] Witsel earned 140 caps for Belgium. www.abola.pt · www.sport.fr · www.voetbalnieuws.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Witsel is the second most capped player in Belgian history. www.sport.fr