# Axel Witsel international retirement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/axel-witsel-international-retirement
> Updated: 2026-10-16T14:35:51.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 2.

Axel Witsel, the 37-year-old midfielder for OGC Nice, has officially announced his retirement from international football with the Belgium national team. Ending an 18-year career that began in 2008, Witsel stated on social media that it is time to “make way for the youngsters and the new generation.”

Witsel concludes his international tenure with 140 caps and 12 goals, making him the second-most capped player in Belgian history. A prominent figure of Belgium’s “golden generation,” he participated in four World Cups and three European Championships, with his final appearance occurring in July 2026 during the World Cup quarter-final against Spain.

Following his retirement announcement, reports indicated that while Witsel had been approached by Royal Antwerp FC during the summer transfer window, he ultimately chose to continue his club career in France.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: African football leagues open with key results in Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea

Recent football league openings in Africa saw Génération Foot lead Senegal's Ligue 1, a dramatic 2-2 draw in Cameroon's MTN Elite One, and a hard-fought draw in Guinea's Ligue 2.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sports-update-bounous-gesture-at-al-hilal-and-witsels-career-choice

### 2026-09-16: Axel Witsel retires from Belgium national team

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from international football after 18 years and 140 caps, ending his career as the nation's second-most capped player.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/axel-witsel-retires-from-belgian-national-team-after-140-caps

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Cite as: Axel Witsel international retirement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/axel-witsel-international-retirement