Minutes after reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger had decided to retire from international football, the German defender has made it official and announced that he has brought his time with the national team to an end.
The 33-year-old veteran star confirmed the same with an emotional post on his social media, in which he explained the reasoning behind his decision to move on from Die Mannschaft.
Kicking things off, Rudiger mentioned that after much deliberation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, he felt that it was the right time for him to hang up his national team boots to make way for the new generation.
"After giving it some thought, the time has come for me to bring my career with the national team to a close and make way for the younger generation," he wrote.
Looking back at his journey with the national team, Rudiger elaborated: "When I first pulled on the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would end up playing 86 international matches.

#rudiger #national #make #real

Real Madrid veteran Antonio Rüdiger has decided to retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
The 33-year-old announced his decision on his Instagram profile on Tuesday.
"After taking some time to reflect, I feel the time has come for me to end my career with the national team and make way for the younger generation," Rüdiger began his statement, adding:
"When I first wore the DFB shirt in 2014, I could never have dreamed that it would ultimately lead to 86 international appearances. Even though we missed out on the major trophy at the last few tournaments and had to endure some painful defeats, this period was an incredibly special chapter for me that will stay with me forever."
Rüdiger, who made 86 appearances for Germany, went on to thank his teammates, coaches and fans before rounding off his statement:

#real

Real Madrid will take on Malaga CF in a little over an hour in Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having started the new campaign with back-to-back wins over RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad under new manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues will be eager to maintain their strong start.
With kickoff not far away, Mourinho has announced the Real Madrid starting lineup that will take the field against the newly-promoted La Liga club today at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having fielded the same starting XI for the first two games, the Real Madrid boss has opted to make some changes to the team today.
Three of the changes come in defence, where Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Marc Cucurella all start, replacing Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, and Alvaro Carreras, respectively.

#back #start

According to MARCA, Real Madrid veteran defender Antonio Rudiger has a strong chance of starting later today when the team take on Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After Germany were eliminated in the first knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on penalties against Paraguay, the senior centre-back went on holiday early. That allowed him to be involved in Mourinho's plans from the very beginning.
Yet, with the third league matchday approaching, he remains the only fit first-team outfield player, aside from the seven injured players, who has yet to feature.
Aware of the importance of making a strong start, the Portuguese tactician has wanted the centre of his defence to be a position of strength.
As a result, Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen started both the matches against RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad.

#real #team

Real Madrid host Málaga in what should be a comfortable game against a team who are expected to be in the battle to avoid relegation this season. Mourinho could decide to make some rotations ahead of the weekend's away game against Betis.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler; Mbappé.
Málaga predicted XI: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Izan, Dotor; Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Rafita; Chupe.
Players like Brahim or Diomandé could also feature in the starting lineup if Mourinho decides to rest one of the attackers.

#courtois #trent

Real Madrid host Málaga in what should be a good opportunity for José Mourinho to rotate his squad and rest some of his starters.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Trent, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler; Mbappé.
Málaga predicted XI: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Salinas; Izan, Dotor; Dani Lorenzo, Larrubia, Rafita; Chupe.
Players like Brahim or Diomandé could also feature in the starting lineup if Mourinho decides to rest one of the attackers.

#mourinho #konat

Real Madrid have published their squad list for Sunday's home match against Málaga.
REAL MADRID SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Javi Navarro.
Defenders: Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries, and Mario Rivas.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bernardo, Cestero, and Alexis Ciria.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, and Yan Diomande.
No significant news on this list even though Mourinho will be expected to make some changes after the team's first two games. Málaga should be manageable opposition at home and that's why rotations could be on the way.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
Date: 08/30/2026

#goalkeepers

Real Madrid has already finalized its squad list for tomorrow's match against Málaga CF at the Bernabéu. Los Blancos will be looking to claim three more points in front of their fans in a key league fixture to keep pace at the top of the table.
For this match, coach José Mourinho has decided not to make any changes from the previous outing. The Portuguese manager is backing the same core group that featured in the last matchday against Real Sociedad.
In goal, Thibaut Courtois leads the list of goalkeepers, alongside Andriy Lunin and the young Javi Navarro, perhaps the only switch in the squad. In defense, there is once again a strong list of defenders, featuring names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc Cucurella.
Meanwhile, midfield will retain its usual blend of strength and creativity with players of the caliber of Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva. They are joined by Arda Güler, Cestero and Alexis Ciria, offering further options to Madrid's setup.
In attack, firepower is guaranteed with the presence of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé leading the line. The attacking call-up is completed by Brahim Díaz, C. Espí and Yan Diomande, all ready to provide energy from the bench.

#squad #blancos #sociedad

Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in José Mourinho's return to the Santiago Bernabéu 13 years after his departure. This is the first home match of the season for Los Blancos, who will be expected to earn the three points in convincing way.
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Valverde, Güler; Diomande, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
Real Sociedad predicted XI: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Jon Martín, Sergio Gómez; Yangel Herrera, Carlos Soler; Kubo, Sucic, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

#predicted

Since Toni Kroos's retirement, Real Madrid's attack seems largely like an orchestra without a conductor, unable to find someone to cohesively pull the strings on a pitch filled with talented footballers with distinct skillsets. The de facto leader of Madrid on the pitch in the later years of his career, Kroos attempted over 100 passes per 90 minutes in La Liga in his final season at Madrid, completing nearly 95% of his passes, and 82 pass attempts per 90 in the Champions League. By comparison, Madrid's leading passer from midfield last season was Aurélien Tchouaméni with only 65.5 pass attempts per 90 in La Liga and 55.7 per 90 in Champions. In fact, with Luka Modric's subsequent departure, it was two centre-backs (Antonio Rüdiger in La Liga and Dean Huijsen in the Champions League) that led Madrid in pass attempts per 90 for the first time in nearly a decade.
Two of the criticisms of Madrid post-Kroos/Modric is that the deeper players like Rüdiger and Fede Valverde don't: i) circulate the ball quickly enough or ii) provide sufficient incisive passes to the forward line. We ****** yzed both points to see the validity of these concerns as it relates to Madrid's midfield.
Let's first tackle quick ball circulation. Kroos's final season at Madrid saw him attempt 22.2% of his passes one-touch (fourth percentile amongst midfielders in the top five leagues) and 53.7% within two seconds of receiving the ball (eighth percentile amongst midfielders in the top five leagues) in league play while Modric that same season saw 23.5% of his passes come via first touch (10th percentile) and 52.6% under two seconds (seventh percentile). By comparison, Aurelien Tchouaméni and Valverde last season distributed 26.4% and 26.3% of their passes, respectively in La Liga one-time (higher percentages than Kroos and Modric in 2023/2024) with nearly the identical percentage of quick passes (passes within two seconds of receiving the ball) as the German legend and Croatian maestro had in 2023/2024 (Tchouaméni: 53.8%; Kroos: 53.7%; Valverde: 53.3%; Modric: 52.6%).
It is a popular misconception that being a tempo controller often requires playing the ball quickly and having a significant percentage of one-two touch passes. Kroos was not a great tempo controller because he often passed the ball first touch. As the chart above demonstrates, Kroos actually circulated the ball slower his final season than many of Madrid's midfielders last season. The best tempo controllers know when to play first-time, when to hold on to the ball for several seconds, when to progress the ball and when to value retaining possession, understanding that the scoreline, moment in the match, and positioning of players on the pitch dictate when to move the ball quickly and when to slow the play down. Vitinha, considered by many to be the best deep-lying playmaker in the game today, distributed less than our out of every five attempted passes (18.3%) during live play last season in Ligue 1 from a first

Jose Mourinho wants Alessandro Bastoni at Real Madrid, but convincing the club to make another major investment in defence could prove more difficult than convincing the Inter Milan defender himself.
According to journalist Ruben Martin, Mourinho has personally spoken with Bastoni and views the Italian international as an ideal addition to his squad.
It is said that the Real Madrid manager reportedly sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield.
That stance is largely driven by the uncertainty surrounding Eder Militao's recovery and concerns over Antonio Rudiger's current level.
This is why Mourinho wants another high-quality defender he can rely on immediately, and Bastoni's name has moved to the top of his thinking.

#bastoni #wants #convincing #jose

Real Madrid have announced their squad list for Sunday's preseason friendly against Schalke 04, the last friendly of this year's preseason stage.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Illia.
Defenders: Huijsen, Trent, Konaté, Cucurella, Á. Carreras, Rüdiger, Dumfries, and Mario Rivas.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bernardo, Cestero, and Alexis Ciria.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, C. Espí, Brahim, and Diomande.
This time, Mourinho will have his stars at his disposal. Still, most of those players have only trained with the group for a couple of sessions, so they should not be expected to play heavy minutes.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM REAL MADRID'S PRESEASON
Date: 08/16/2026

#madrid #squad #list #lunin

Hot Orange Chicken and hot topic conversation with Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell are on tap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24 at the Panda Express in Livonia.
Fans are invited to sit across from Sewell and sample Hot Orange Chicken while challenging him with their own heated questions in a Q&A format three weeks before the Detroit Lions preseason play begins on Aug. 13, when the team plays the Bengals in Cincinnati.
Friday's event is timed with Panda Express bringing Hot Orange Chicken back to its menu this summer.
“We thought this would be a fun way for the community to be involved, play around with, you know, Hot Orange Chicken so that fans can come and fire off their Hot Orange Chicken takes, if you will,” Panda Express spokesperson Guy Rudiger said.
Fans who participate in the challenge will receive a pre-signed autograph from Sewell.

#orange #lions

Germany is preparing to play their first World Cup knockout fixture in 12 years, taking on Paraguay in the Round of 32 on Monday at Boston Stadium.
The Germans progressed as winners of Group E, although their form dipped just before the knockout phase. Julian Nagelsmann’s side began their campaign in emphatic style with a crushing 7-1 win over Curaçao, followed by a solid 2-1 victory against the Ivory Coast.
Their final group game raised concerns, as they were unexpectedly beaten 2-1 by Ecuador after showing clear defensive weaknesses. Despite possessing one of the most dangerous attacking units in the tournament, Germany will need more consistency from their key players to regain control and balance.
Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a serious ankle injury, meaning Nagelsmann will depend on the experienced pairing of Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah.
There is also uncertainty surrounding left-back Nathaniel Brown, who missed the Ecuador game with an adductor injury and remains doubtful.

Germany is set to play their first knockout match in the World Cup after 12 years as they face Paraguay in the Round of 32 on Monday at the Boston Stadium.
Date: Monday, 29th June.
Kick-off: 9:30pm BST.
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Germany enters the Round of 32 dealing with a critical blow to their defensive stability. Central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup tournament due to a severe ankle injury, forcing manager Julian Nagelsmann to rely heavily on the established partnership of Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah.

Germany, having already confirmed top spot in Group E, face Ecuador in their final group match on Thursday at the New York New Jersey Stadium. While Germany aim to continue their flawless run, Ecuador are chasing their first goal of the tournament along with a vital three points to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Germany arrive in excellent form after winning both of their group matches. They began with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curaçao, demonstrating their attacking strength, before following it up with a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. Those results ensured their progression to the next round as group winners.
With qualification already secured, head coach Julian Nagelsmann is expected to make several changes to his starting eleven.
One setback for Germany is the injury to Nico Schlotterbeck, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering ankle ligament damage in the match against Ivory Coast.
In defence, either Antonio Rüdiger or Malick Thiaw is expected to partner Jonathan Tah at centre-back.

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old left-footed centre-back suffered the problem in his side's 2-1 win against Ivory Coast on Saturday and was replaced by Antonio Rudiger at half-time.
A Germany national team statement said Schlotterbeck had "suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle" and "will be out for several months".
It added that the Borussia Dortmund player would "remain with the team in the USA for the time being".
Germany, who have already secured top spot in Group E and their progress into the last 32 before they face Ecuador on Thursday (21:00 BST), cannot call up a replacement as the tournament has started.

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (AP) — Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup and beyond with a left ankle injury sustained during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Tests on Sunday back at the team camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, revealed Schlotterbeck, who had started both of Germany’s opening games in the tournament, sustained an injury to the medial ligament in his ankle and will be out for several months, the German soccer federation said Monday.
“We will sorely miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially also his brilliant ability to build up play from the back,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “It could have been his World Cup. We all tried to lift his spirits yesterday. Luckily, he’s a very positive person who’s already looking ahead.”
Schlotterbeck, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, was to stay with the Germany squad for the rest of the World Cup.
“It’s a great sign that he’s staying with the squad for now, as he has an impact off the field as well,” Nagelsmann said. “Despite his absence, we’re still very well-equipped at center-back for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.”

As in the 7-1 opening victory against Curaçao, the midfielder was in the German’s starting line-up and once again impressed with a strong performance in the centre of the park. Nmecha won numerous **** , time and again cleverly set up his teammates and led the way with his aggressive style of play.
However, Germany initially fell behind on Saturday evening as Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié scored in the 30th minute to make it 1-0 for the West Africans. Even after the break, the German national team struggled for a long time before the substitutions made by German coach Julian Nagelsmann provided a new impetus. Substitute Deniz Undav scored the equaliser in the 68th minute to start turning the game around.
In stoppage time, Felix Nmecha finally made the decisive impact. The Dortmund player's perfectly timed through ball sent Undav clear. The substitute kept his cool in front of goal and slotted home the much-celebrated winner to make it 2-1 (90+4). For Nmecha, it was the match-winning **** ist that capped off yet another outstanding performance.
The evening did not go so well for Nico Schlotterbeck. The centre-back picked up an injury in a challenge after just under a quarter of an hour and had to receive treatment. The Dortmund player was substituted at half-time. Antonio Rüdiger came on in his place.
To round off the group stage, Germany face Ecuador on Thursday (22:00 CEST). The South Americans’ surprise 0-0 draw against Curaçao on Sunday has already secured the German side top spot in Group E early.

At 1-0 down against Côte d'Ivoire in Saturday's World Cup match in Toronto, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reacted by making a triple substitution after an hour.
Two of the substitutes later combined for Germany's equaliser, as Nadiem Amiri set up Deniz Undav before the latter decided the game in Germany's favour, making it 2-1 with his second goal late on.
Speaking to Magenta TV, Joshua Kimmich hailed the impact of the players who came on in the second half.
“We already knew before the tournament that our bench would be very, very important and decisive. That was the case today," Kimmich said.
"All the substitutions were outstanding today. Especially Deniz [Undav], who always believes in his moments. Nadiem [Amiri] brings his mentality, which was very helpful. Toni [Rüdiger] had an outstanding game when he came on. Jamie [Leweling] also came on very well, and the same goes for Leon [Goretzka] at the end. The triple substitution (after around 60 minutes) helped us a lot.”

Real Madrid have already secured four signings this summer along with the contract renewal of Antonio Rudiger.
However, transfer activity is far from done at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Jose Mourinho & co. working to bring in several more players.
One of the main priorities for Los Blancos this summer is to reinforce the midfield position, although an exit will be required in order to accommodate a new signing.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United is one of the players that Real Madrid are closely tracking and are interested in signing.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, competition for Fernandes’ signing is growing significantly, with clubs in the Premier League, in particular, vying for his acquisition.

When Antonio Rudiger entered the fray as a substitute during Germany's World Cup opener - a 7-1 victory over Curacao at the Houston Stadium - he knew his large extended family would be watching on proudly.
But things could have been very different if the Real Madrid defender's parents had not managed to flee Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war for a new life in Europe.
"There was only the decision to get out of there," Rudiger told BBC Sport Africa.
"I spoke many times with my brother about it, and he told me the stories of what he saw there and what a march they made from Kono [the family's home district in the far east of Sierra Leone] to the capital city to find a bit of safety."
The distance between Kono and the capital Freetown is approximately 210 miles (340km) and the journey proved perilous, with Rudiger's uncle taking extreme action to prevent his nieces and nephews being swept up by rebels and turned into one of the thousands of child soldiers forced into battle during the conflict.

June 18 (UPI) -- Real Madrid signed former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate to a four-year contract, the Spanish La Liga soccer franchise announced Thursday.
Konate, 27, spent the last five seasons with the Reds. He totaled seven goals and four ****** ists over 183 appearances for the English Premier League franchise. Konate won the Premier League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and an FA Community Shield while with the Reds.
He is among a series of big signings for Madrid, who previously reached agreements with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Chelsea's Marc Cucurella.
Konate arrival follows the departure of veteran defenders David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, who left Madrid this off-season. Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao are among Madrid's other defenders.
Konate, who also spent time at RB Leipzig and Sochaux, is currently part of France's World Cup squad. He did not play in their 3-1 group stage win over Senegal on Tuesday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Real Madrid’s search for defensive reinforcements continues to generate headlines, and one name that refuses to go away is Borussia Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German international has emerged as a serious candidate for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid continue evaluating options to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season.
Recent reports have suggested that Schlotterbeck is open to joining Real Madrid if the opportunity arises, with his reported €50 million release clause making him an attractive option.
Speaking while on international duty, Antonio Rudiger openly expressed his admiration for his fellow German international amid growing speculation surrounding a potential transfer.
Rudiger has welcomed the idea of signing Nico Schlotterbeck. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Germany international Antonio Rüdiger has extended his contract at Real Madrid for another year, the Spanish club said on Monday.
The centre-back, who is on World Cup duty with his national side, is set to remain at the club until at least June 30, 2027.
The 33-year-old has been playing for Real since 2022, winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Rüdiger has lost his starting place for Germany, starting the side's World Cup campaign on the bench behind Bayern Munich's Jonathan Tah and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck before coming on as a substitute in the 7-1 opening win over debutants Curaçao.
The 2014 World Cup winners face Ivory Coast on Saturday and Ecuador next Thursday as they seek to advance from Group E.

Real Madrid have officially announced that key defender Antonio Rudiger has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
The German international will now remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for one more season until June 2027.
"Real Madrid CF and Antonio Rudiger have agreed to extend our player's contract, which will keep him with the club until June 30, 2027," the club statement read.
Signed from Chelsea back in 2022 as a free agent, Rudiger has grown into a pivotal player at Real Madrid, both on and off the pitch.
The German international's commitment, effort, and leadership have made him a valuable ******* et for Los Blancos.

Real Madrid have been on a roll in the transfer market, most notably announcing their first signing in Marc Cucurella.
In additon to Cucurella, Real Madrid have finalised deals to sign Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate while bringing in Jose Mourinho as head coach.
Now, Real Madrid are on the verge of securing a contract extension for one of the most experienced players in the team in Antonio Rudiger, who was largely a spectator in Germany’s opening win over Curacao in the World Cup.
Rudiger will continue at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have extended the contract of Rudiger, who has penned a new one-year deal until June 2027.

Manchester United are said to be weighing up an offer for Borussia Dortmund and Germany centre-back Waldemar Anton.
According to The Mirror, the Premier League outfit are considering lodging a bid of around €40.5 million for the 29-year-old, who has been watched in action by scouts from the Red Devils.
Anton was first linked with a move to Old Trafford back in March by Sky Germany, who also mentioned Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid as suitors.
The 29-year-old is part of Germany’s squad for the World Cup and faces strong competition in central defence from Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger and Malick Thiaw.
He joined BVB from VfB Stuttgart in 2024 and is under contract until 2028.