Axel Witsel announces retirement from Belgium internationals after 18 years

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an 18-year Belgium career that saw him become the nation’s second-most capped player, Punch reports.

The 37-year-old made his 140th and final appearance in Belgium’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to eventual champions Spain in July.

“It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” Witsel said in a social media post, reflecting on a journey that began at just 18.

Witsel made his debut in 2008 and became a key figure in Belgium’s celebrated “golden generation” alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, though the team never won a major title, coming closest with a 2018 World Cup semi-final exit.

Only Jan Vertonghen, with 157 caps, has represented Belgium more times than Witsel, cementing his place among the nation’s greatest.