German defender Antonio Rudiger on Tuesday announced his retirement from international football. Rudiger’s final match for the country was in the Round of 32 loss to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid cente-back has played 86 times for the 4-time world champions after making his debut in 2014.

“After some time spent reflecting, the moment has come for me to end my career with the national team and clear the way for the young generation. When I first wore the DFB jersey in 2014, I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams that it would ultimately lead to 86 international matches. Even though the big title eluded us at the last tournaments and we had to endure some painful defeats, this time was an incredibly special chapter for me—one that will shape me forever,” he wrote in social media post.

“A huge thank you goes to: My teammates: For every shared duel and the camaraderie in the locker room and at the team hotel—and above all, for the friendships that will endure far beyond football. The entire coaching and support staff: Thank you for the years of trust and the work behind the scenes. A special thanks goes to Jogi Löw, Hansi Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann, who accompanied and shaped me on my journey with the DFB. But also to my mentor in the youth national teams, Horst Hrubesch.And of course, to you fans: Thank you for your support—especially for the unforgettable atmosphere at our home EURO 2024. For me, a new chapter now begins, in which I will fully focus on my club. Thank you for the shared journey,” he added.

Nach einiger Zeit des Nachdenkens ist für mich der Zeitpunkt gekommen, meine Karriere in der Nationalmannschaft zu beenden und den Weg für die junge Generation frei zu machen. 🇩🇪

Als ich 2014 das erste Mal das DFB-Trikot getragen habe, hätte ich es mir in meinen Träumen nicht… pic.twitter.com/MniXUgxswy

— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) September 1, 2026

While he has had a successful club career, having won the Champions League twice as well as the La Liga and FA Cup, he hasn’t had the best of times in national colours.

Germany crashed out of the group stage in 2018 and 2022 World Cups before exiting in the Round of 32 in 2026. The only major trophy that he could win with his country was the 2017 Confederations Cup.