Germany’s Antonio Rudiger calls time on international career

Antonio Rudiger, the German defender, announced on Tuesday that he will retire from international football. His final appearance for the 4-time world champions came in the Round of 32 loss to Paraguay during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Rudiger made his debut for the national team in 2014 and has since played 86 matches, serving as a source of pride for the country.

Reflecting on his time with the national team, Rudiger expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coaches, and support staff. He particularly honored his mentors Jogi Löw, Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann, and Horst Hrubesch from the youth national teams. Rudiger also thanked the fans for their unwavering support, especially during the unforgettable atmosphere at the EURO 2024.

However, Rudiger's international career has been marked by challenges for Germany. The team has frequently exited the World Cup group stages, including in 2018, 2022, and the most recent Round of 32 exit in 2026. Despite these setbacks, the only major trophy Rudiger could claim with the national team was the 2017 Confederations Cup. His retirement marks the end of an era for German football, with the spotlight now shifting to the next generation of players.