Germany defender Antonio Rudiger has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 12-year tenure with the national team. The 33-year-old centre-back made his senior debut in 2014 and went on to earn 86 caps, playing a pivotal role in Germany’s defense across three FIFA World Cups and multiple UEFA European Championships.

Rudiger disclosed his decision on Tuesday via Instagram, stating that after careful consideration, he felt the time was right to step aside and allow younger players to take his place. “Even though we didn’t win a major title in recent tournaments and had to endure some painful defeats, this time has been an extremely special chapter for me, one that will shape me forever,” he said.

The defender explained that his focus will now shift exclusively to his club career as he begins a new phase professionally. Rudiger’s retirement closes a significant chapter in German football, during which he was regarded as a reliable and consistent figure in the national team’s backline.