Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger announces retirement from German national team

Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger has announced his retirement from the German national team. The 33-year-old defender, a product of Berlin's Neukölln district, expressed his decision on Instagram, citing a desire to pave the way for younger players. Rüdiger, who made 86 appearances for Germany since his debut in 2014, thanked his teammates, former coaches Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann, as well as Germany youth coach Horst Hrubesch, and fans for their support throughout his career.

The retired defender's tenure with the national team concluded two months after Germany's World Cup exit to Paraguay, a result that Rüdiger acknowledged in his announcement. Despite the team's lack of major titles in recent tournaments and their painful defeats, Rüdiger reflected on the period as deeply meaningful. Rüdiger transferred to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022, winning multiple titles with the Spanish club, including a league and Champions League double in 2024.