Antonio Rüdiger retires from Germany duty at 33

Antonio Rüdiger has retired from international football at the age of 33, ending his Germany career after 86 appearances and three goals. The Real Madrid defender confirmed the decision on Tuesday, bringing a close to a 12-year spell with Die Mannschaft that began with his senior debut in 2014.

Rüdiger represented Germany at three World Cups and two European Championships, while his biggest international honour came with the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup triumph. He was also part of Germany’s squads during a difficult period at major tournaments, including their early World Cup exits in 2018 and 2022.

Rüdiger’s decision comes after Germany’s elimination by Paraguay in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup and ahead of Jürgen Klopp’s new era as national-team coach. The defender now intends to concentrate fully on his club career with Real Madrid. The German FA’s official records confirm his 86 international appearances, while his retirement creates another significant vacancy in Klopp’s rebuilding plans.