Axel Witsel retires from Belgium international football career
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 9:50 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football, concluding an 18-year career with Belgium. The 37-year-old veteran midfielder made his last appearance during the World Cup quarter-finals against Spain in July, where Belgium suffered a 2-1 defeat. Witsel concluded his time with 140 caps, trailing only teammate Jan Vertonghen in national appearances. He emphasized the need for new talent to emerge, marking a transition in Belgium's squad. Witsel joined Ligue 1 club Nice earlier this summer after stints with Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
- •Witsel played 140 matches for Belgium, making him the second-most capped player.
- •He last featured in a World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain in July.
- •Witsel joined Nice earlier this summer after previous spells in Europe's top leagues.
- •He calls for new players to step up for the national team.
- 9:50 AMYahoo Sports — 140 and out: Axel Witsel calls time on international career with Belgium
- 6:21 PMYahoo Sports — Witsel retires from internationals after 18-year Belgium career
"Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, bringing an end to a Belgium career which saw him become their second-most capped player.Only long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 caps, has played more times for Belgium than Witsel.
"Axel Witsel has officially retired from international football at the age of 37. The midfielder, who currently plays for Nice in Ligue 1, ends his career with the Belgian Red Devils having amassed 140...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 9:50 AM140 and out: Axel Witsel calls time on international career with Belgium
Axel Witsel has officially retired from international football at the age of 37. The midfielder, who currently plays for Nice in Ligue 1, ends his career with the Belgian Red Devils having amassed 140...
- Yahoo SportsSep 16, 2026, 6:21 PMWitsel retires from internationals after 18-year Belgium career
Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, bringing an end to a Belgium career which saw him become their second-most capped player.Only long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 caps, has played more times for Belgium than Witsel.
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