Axel Witsel retires from Belgium duty after 140 appearances

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

The 37-year-old announced his decision on social media following Belgium’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Witsel said the time had come for younger players and a new generation to take their place in the national team.

He thanked supporters, teammates, coaches and officials of the Belgian football federation who had been part of his international career.

Witsel made his Belgium debut in 2008 and went on to win 140 caps, making him the country’s second-most capped male international behind Jan Vertonghen, who made 157 appearances.

His final international appearance came during Belgium’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder was part of Belgium’s celebrated “Golden Generation” and represented his country at four World Cups — 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

He also helped Belgium secure third place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the country’s best finish at the tournament.

This is not Witsel’s first retirement announcement.

He previously stepped away from international football in 2023 before later returning to the national team. His latest announcement indicates that his international career has now ended permanently.

Witsel currently plays club football for French Ligue 1 side Nice after joining from Girona.