Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an 18-year career with the national team during which he became the country’s second-most capped men’s player.
The 37-year-old confirmed his decision on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, saying it was time to make way for younger players and a new generation of Belgian internationals.
Witsel finishes his Belgium career with 140 appearances and 12 goals, having represented the country at four FIFA World Cups and three European Championships.
Witsel Announces Retirement
Witsel announced his decision through a social media statement, confirming that he would no longer represent the Belgian national team.
He said the decision was final and explained that he wanted to create room for younger players.
The announcement comes ahead of Belgium coach Mark van Bommel’s first squad selection, with the midfielder set to be absent from the upcoming international programme.
Witsel had previously announced his international retirement in May 2023 but subsequently returned to the national team. His latest announcement therefore marks the end of his Belgium career.
A Career Spanning 18 Years
Witsel made his Belgium debut in 2008 at the age of 18.
Over the following 18 years, he established himself as an important member of the national side, particularly during the period commonly associated with Belgium’s so-called golden generation.
His international career included appearances alongside players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
He accumulated 140 caps, leaving him behind only former Belgium teammate Jan Vertonghen, who finished with 157 appearances for the national team.
Witsel also scored 12 international goals and recorded eight assists during his time with the Red Devils.
Four World Cups and Three European Championships
Witsel represented Belgium at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.
He was part of the Belgian squad that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the country’s best-ever finish at the tournament.
He also played at three European Championships — Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
Although Belgium’s golden generation produced several deep tournament runs, the team did not win a major international title during Witsel’s career.
At the 2018 World Cup, Belgium reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions France.
World Cup Defeat to Spain Was His Final Appearance
Witsel’s final appearance for Belgium came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He entered as a substitute during Belgium’s quarter-final against Spain, which Belgium lost 2-1 to the eventual champions.
That match became his 140th and final appearance for the national team.
His participation at the 2026 tournament meant that his international career extended across four World Cups, more than 18 years after making his Belgium debut.
From Belgium’s Golden Generation to a New Era
Witsel’s retirement comes as Belgium begins another phase of transition.
Several players associated with the country’s successful generation have either retired or moved toward the end of their international careers, while younger players are increasingly being introduced into the national setup.
Witsel’s own explanation focused on that transition, saying it was time for younger players and a new generation to take their opportunity.
The timing also coincides with the beginning of a new period under Van Bommel, who is preparing his first Belgium squad.
Witsel’s departure therefore removes one of the most experienced players available to the new coach as Belgium prepares for its next international assignments.
Witsel’s Club Career Continues
His international retirement does not mean the end of his professional football career.
Witsel joined French Ligue 1 club Nice during the 2026 close-season after leaving Spanish side Girona.
Before playing for Girona, he had also represented clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid, following earlier spells in his career with Standard Liège, Benfica, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Tianjin Tianhai.
His decision therefore relates specifically to international football, while his club career continues.
A Significant Chapter for Belgian Football
Witsel leaves the national team having been one of the most experienced players in Belgian football history.
His 140 appearances place him second on Belgium’s all-time men’s appearance list, while his four World Cup campaigns and three European Championship appearances reflect the longevity of his international career.
His career also coincided with a period in which Belgium became a consistent contender at major international tournaments.
The team reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and secured third place, while a number of players from the same generation went on to establish themselves among Europe’s leading footballers.
Witsel’s retirement consequently represents another change for a Belgian side moving toward a younger generation.
What Happens Next?
Belgium’s next phase will begin under Van Bommel, who is expected to name his first squad shortly.
Witsel will not be part of that squad following his decision to retire from international football. Reports indicate that Belgium’s upcoming programme includes Nations League fixtures, giving the new generation an immediate opportunity to establish itself.
For Witsel, however, the international chapter is now closed after 18 years, 140 appearances and four World Cup campaigns.
His final competitive appearance for Belgium — the quarter-final defeat by Spain at the 2026 World Cup — will stand as the conclusion of one of the longest international careers in the country’s football history.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- Agence France-Presse (AFP)
- The PUNCH
- Vanguard
- beIN SPORTS
- RTL Today
- Goal
- Starsporttv
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