Llorente exits Spain squad after World Cup triumph
Atletico Madrid right-back Marcos Llorente has retired from international football, citing a personal decision made prior to Spain’s victory in the 2026 World Cup.
Atletico Madrid right-back Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from the Spanish national team, ending his international career following Spain’s World Cup victory in July. The 31-year-old, who has earned 27 caps for his country, made the announcement on Instagram, describing the move as a "very carefully considered" and "deeply felt" personal decision.
Llorente revealed that he had already made up his mind before the tournament began, despite acknowledging that he was still young and potentially had years left to play in the national jersey. He noted that while many might not understand the choice, it was driven by personal factors rather than performance issues.
The post was accompanied by a photograph of Llorente holding the World Cup trophy. He expressed gratitude for the "last 52 days" and the group that fought to put Spain on top, highlighting the unique and unforgettable moments he experienced with his family and the squad.
Llorente’s international career began in 2020. He was part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup but was not included in the team that won the 2024 European Championship. His departure comes after Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to secure their place in the final.
In his statement, Llorente reflected on his time representing his country, stating, "It has been an honor to represent my country and be a part of this history." He acknowledged that if he had continued to perform well, he might have had more years in the jersey, but chose to step away while the team was at the pinnacle of its success.
The announcement follows a period of significant success for the Spanish national side, which has won three consecutive matches against France in recent major tournaments, including the 2024 European Championship and the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Llorente’s retirement marks a shift in the squad’s composition as Spain looks to maintain its dominance in international football.
