Antonio Rüdiger ends Germany career after 12 years and 86 caps

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·1 September 2026

Antonio Rüdiger ends Germany career after 12 years and 86 caps

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger, 33, has ended his international career with Germany after 12 years and 86 caps, having played at his final World Cup this summer.

The player said in a post on Tuesday that, after a period of reflection, it was time to step aside for the younger generation and begin a new chapter focused fully on Real Madrid. He also thanked former team-mates, coaching staff and Germany supporters.

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The former Stuttgart and Roma defender made his Germany debut in May 2014.

He featured at five major tournaments, the World Cups in 2018, 2022 and 2026 and the Euros in 2020 and 2024. He also won the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

Rüdiger was named Germany vice-captain in September 2024.

Source: L'Équipe

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