Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel has announced his retirement from international football with Belgium.

“This time, it’s the right one. I have made the decision to end my international career. The time has come to make way for the young and the new generation.

“It has been an immense pride to have given my all during these 18 years. I never imagined achieving so much when I started, at just 18 years old,” Witsel said on his profile on the social network X.”

“Thank you to the supporters. Thank you to all my teammates, all my coaches, and all the people within the federation who contributed, near or far, to my growth over all these years.

“Good luck to the team for the future. I’m certain its future will be bright. I love you, Belgium,” Witsel said.

The 37-year-old  ends his international career with 140 caps, 12 goals, and eight assists.

His last appearance was in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, when Belgium were eliminated by Spain, and he played for about 30 minutes.