Witsel retires from internationals after 18-year Belgium career
Belgium's midfielder #06 Axel Witsel warms up before a friendly football match between Mexico and Belgium at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on March 31, 2026. OGC Nice's Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, the second-most-capped player for the Red Devils, announced his retirement from international football on September 16, 2026 at the age of 37.
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The 37-year-old made his 140th and last appearance for the national side in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to eventual champions Spain in July.
"It's time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation," Witsel said in a social media post.
"I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old."
Witsel made his debut in 2008 and became a key player for Belgium's 'golden generation', which also included Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
They never managed to win a major tournament, coming closest at the 2018 World Cup when they lost to France in the semi-finals.
Only long-time teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 caps, has played more times for Belgium than Witsel.
He joined Ligue 1 club Nice in the close-season from Girona, having previously played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.
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