Witsel Retires From Internationals After 18-Year Belgium Career

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an 18-year career with the Belgium national team.

The 37-year-old made the announcement on Wednesday, saying he had decided it was time to make way for younger players and the next generation of Belgian footballers.

Witsel made his senior international debut for Belgium in 2008 at the age of 18 and went on to become one of the most experienced players in the country’s history.

He finished his international career with 140 appearances and 12 goals, making him Belgium’s second-most capped player behind Jan Vertonghen.

Witsel was an important member of Belgium’s so-called golden generation, featuring alongside players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.

During his international career, he represented Belgium at four FIFA World Cups and three European Championships.

His most notable tournament run came at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Belgium reached the semi-finals before losing to France. The team eventually finished third after defeating England in the third-place play-off.

Witsel also featured for Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His final appearance came in the quarter-final against Spain, when he was introduced as a substitute during Belgium’s 2-1 defeat.

The midfielder had previously announced his international retirement in 2023 but later reversed the decision and returned to the national team.

Following his latest announcement, Witsel thanked Belgium supporters, his teammates, coaches and officials who contributed to his development throughout his international career.

At club level, Witsel currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Nice, having joined the club after spending the previous season with Spanish side Girona.

He previously played for Standard Liège, Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid, among other clubs.

Witsel’s retirement comes ahead of Belgium’s upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign under new head coach Mark van Bommel.

His departure marks the end of another chapter for the generation of Belgian players that established the country as a major force in international football during the past decade.