German defender Antonio Rudiger announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday, ending a 12-year career with the national team. The 33-year-old made 86 appearances for Germany, concluding his international tenure following the 2026 World Cup held earlier this year.

In a statement posted on social media, Rudiger said he had reflected on his future and decided it was time to step aside to allow younger players to take his place. "A new chapter begins for me now, in which I will focus entirely on my club," he added, referring to his current contract with Real Madrid, where he has played since 2022.

Rudiger made his debut for Germany in 2014, just one month before the national team won the World Cup in Brazil, although he was not part of the squad on that occasion. His international career featured one major trophy—the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup—as well as several challenging campaigns. Germany faced early exits at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and were eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 tournament after losing to Paraguay, marking Rudiger’s final appearance for his country.

Born in Berlin, Rudiger began his youth career with Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart before embarking on a professional journey that took him to Roma and later Chelsea in 2017. During his time at Chelsea, he secured the UEFA Champions League title in 2021. After joining Real Madrid, he continued his success by winning both the Champions League and La Liga during the 2024 season.

Rudiger’s career overlapped with significant changes in German football. Despite the country’s status as a four-time World Cup champion, his years with the national team coincided with an uneven period marked by disappointing tournament performances. Nonetheless, Rudiger described his international experience as a defining and special chapter in his life.

His development years touched on a connection with Jürgen Klopp, the current Germany coach, whose tenure at Borussia Dortmund coincided with Rudiger's time at the club, although Rudiger did not make a first-team appearance during that period.

With his retirement, Rudiger intends to dedicate his full attention to his club career as he continues competing at the highest level with Real Madrid.