Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has announced his immediate retirement from international football with the Germany national team, bringing an end to a 12-year career representing Die Mannschaft.
The 33-year-old defender explained that his decision came after careful consideration, aiming to make way for the new generation under head coach Jürgen Klopp while shifting his focus toward his club career with Real Madrid.
Rüdiger’s international career began on May 13, 2014, when he debuted in a goalless friendly against Poland. However, he was not included in the final squad that lifted the World Cup in Brazil two months later.
The German defender concludes his international career with 86 caps and 3 goals. His sole trophy with the national team came at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he made four appearances in the tournament that Germany won by defeating Chile in the final.
Rüdiger featured in three World Cup tournaments: playing one match at Russia 2018, starting all three of Germany’s matches at Qatar 2022, and appearing in four games during the 2026 World Cup, totaling 8 World Cup appearances.
He also represented Germany in two European Championship editions (2020 and 2024), making 9 appearances overall. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tragically ruled him out of Euro 2016 despite his initial selection in the preliminary squad.
Rüdiger’s final international appearance came against Paraguay on June 29, 2026, when Germany exited the World Cup in the round of 32 on penalties. The veteran defender closes his international chapter without a World Cup or Euro title, but leaves behind a Confederations Cup trophy and 86 caps for his country.
