FULL LIST: From Messi to Fofana: Footballers who announced international retirement

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a number of prominent footballers decided to retire from international football. Here are ten notable players who announced their departure:

1. Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina, announced his international retirement after his team reached the final of the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old holds the record for the most appearances (207) and goals (125) for Argentina.

2. Neymar, a Brazilian superstar, ended his international career after Brazil's elimination from the World Cup. The 31-year-old made his debut for Brazil in 2010 and played at four World Cups.

3. James Rodríguez, the captain of Colombia, announced his retirement on September 15, 2026. The 35-year-old had played in three World Cups and is Colombia's all-time leading appearance-maker (131) and goalscorer (6).

4. Manuel Neuer, Germany's goalkeeper, concluded his international career after the World Cup. The 40-year-old previously retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned for the World Cup. Neuer played a key role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph.

5. Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico's goalkeeper, ended his international career after his country's World Cup exit. The 36-year-old made multiple appearances for Mexico and is considered one of the nation's most recognizable players.

6. Riyad Mahrez, the former Manchester City midfielder, retired from international football after Algeria's early exit from the World Cup. The 31-year-old scored twice in the 2026 tournament before Algeria's elimination.

7. Édouard Mendy, Senegal's goalkeeper, announced his retirement in September. The 34-year-old made 59 appearances for Senegal and was part of the team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

8. Iñaki Williams, Ghana's forward, retired after Ghana's Round of 32 loss to Colombia. The 31-year-old had played 28 times for Ghana's national team.

9. Edin Džeko, captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, announced his international retirement on September 3, 2026. The 40-year-old will play his final match against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League on October 2. Džeko is Bosnia and Herzegovina's all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker.

10. Seko Fofana, midfielder for Côte d'Ivoire, announced his retirement from international football on September 14, 2026. The 31-year-old made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for his country. Fofana was a key player in Côte d'Ivoire's 2024 Africa Cup of Nations victory.