Jakarta, ThedailyID — Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from the Germany national team, following Lionel Messi’s decision to step away from Argentina.
Rudiger announced the decision through his Instagram account on Tuesday night, September 1, 2026. The Real Madrid defender said he had decided to make room for Germany’s next generation.
“After some consideration, the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the next generation,” Rudiger said, Wednesday (02/09/26).
Rudiger made his Germany debut in 2014. Joachim Low played him as a right-back during a friendly against Poland.
The 33-year-old defender went on to make 86 appearances for Die Mannschaft and scored three goals. He did not win a major international title with Germany, but he described his time with the national team as a defining part of his career.
“Although we did not win major titles in some of the last tournaments and suffered some painful defeats, this time has been a very special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever,” Rudiger wrote.
His final appearance came against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup. Rudiger played 110 minutes before Germany lost the match on penalties.
Rudiger’s announcement came just one day after Messi confirmed his retirement from Argentina on August 31. The two veterans now leave international football after years as key figures for their respective national teams.
