Antonio Rudiger Announces Germany Retirement After 2026 World Cup - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Defender Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football with the German national team following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

"After some time reflecting, it is time for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation," wrote the Real Madrid defender on his official Instagram page on Wednesday as cited by Antara.

The former AS Roma player made his debut for the German national team in 2014.

Rüdiger made a total of 86 appearances for Germany, scoring three goals.

The 33-year-old decided to retire from the national team to focus on his club career.

"Although we missed out on our major goal in the last tournament (the 2026 World Cup)—and had to face a painful defeat—it was a very special chapter that will define me forever," Rudiger wrote.

With this announcement, Antonio Rudiger will not be part of the German national team's plans for the new era under head coach Jurgen Klopp.