Axel Witsel Retires from Belgium National Team Football
Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football, concluding an 18-year career with the Belgium National Team. The 37-year-old confirmed his decision on September 16, 2026, after making 140 appearances, making him Belgium's second-most capped player, behind Jan Vertonghen.
Witsel's last match was a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July. He debuted for Belgium in 2008 and was a key figure during the country's golden generation, playing alongside stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard.
Despite the team's talent, Belgium did not win a major international trophy during his tenure, with their closest attempt being a semi-final finish at the 2018 World Cup. Witsel's longevity allowed him to transition through multiple generations of players.
He recently joined Nice in Ligue 1 after a spell at Girona, continuing his club career while stepping away from international duties.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Blueprint. Read the original report below.
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