Axel Witsel ends international career, Belgium’s second-most capped player retires at 37 | OneFootball

Axel Witsel, 37, has announced his retirement from international football with Belgium. The OGC Nice midfielder, who joined the club this summer, said in a post on X that his decision is final and that it is time to make way for younger players.

Witsel had previously stepped away from the national team in 2022, then returned in 2024. He was included in the Belgium squad at the 2026 World Cup.

First called up in 2008 by René Vandereycken, he finishes with 140 caps, the second-highest total in Belgium’s history. Only Jan Vertonghen has more, with 157.

Romelu Lukaku, 33, has 132 caps and could soon move past Witsel in the ranking.

Reflecting on his journey, Witsel said he had given everything over 18 years with the national team.

Source: L'Équipe

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