Ending 12-Year International Career! Antonio Rudiger Announces Germany Retirement

Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, September 1 (Reporter Zhao Jiantong) — German defender Antonio Rudiger announced on September 1 that he is retiring from the national team, ending a 12-year international career.

On June 14, Rudiger celebrates victory after a Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Photo by Xinhua reporter Li Ming.

Rudiger, who currently plays for Real Madrid, announced the decision through social media on the same day. The 33-year-old said that after some consideration, he felt it was time to end his international career and make room for younger players. Going forward, he will devote all his energy to club competitions.

According to data from the German Football Association, Rudiger made his national team debut in May 2014 in a friendly match between Germany and Poland that ended in a 0-0 draw. Since then, he has made 86 appearances for Germany and scored three goals, taking part in the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups as well as the 2020 and 2024 European Championships.

At this summer's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Germany lost to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the round of 32, which became Rudiger's final appearance for the national team.

Rudiger said that although Germany have failed to achieve ideal results in major tournaments in recent years and have suffered some painful defeats, his national team career remains an "extremely special chapter" of his life.

Germany are currently entering a period of transition between generations. New head coach Klopp will announce his first national team squad after taking charge on September 17. Germany will then face the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia in the UEFA Nations League.