Axel Witsel announced his decision to retire permanently from the Belgian national team on Wednesday evening (September 16).
In a beautiful and touching message on social media, the 37-year-old midfielder announced his decision to hang up his national team jersey and make way for the next generation of Belgian soccer, as he specifically emphasized!
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
A few months ago, the veteran star made his… swan song with his country’s national team at the World Cup in North America, where he played in two matches of the tournament.
Since 2008, when he first donned the men’s national team jersey, Witsel has made a total of 140 appearances, ranking second on the all-time list in his country’s history, behind only Jan Vertonghen!
This time, it’s for real. I’ve decided to end my international career.
It’s time to make way for the young players and the new generation. It has been a source of immense pride to have given my all over these 18 years. I never would have imagined achieving… pic.twitter.com/m29Jw5zR4w
Advertisement— Axel Witsel (@axelwitsel28) September 16, 2026
*photo source: AP
