Spain midfielder Marcos Llorente retires from national team after World Cup win

Marcos Llorente, the Atlético Madrid defender, announced on Thursday his retirement from the Spain national team, calling it a “personal, deeply considered, and above all, heartfelt” decision. The 31-year-old shared the news on Instagram, stating the choice was made “regardless of whether I went to the World Cup or not, or whether we won or not.”
Llorente, who won the World Cup with Spain on July 19 in New York, said he had long deliberated the move. He thanked those who helped him and his family experience “unique and unforgettable” moments, particularly the 52 days spent with the squad in the U.S. during the tournament. “It has been an honor to represent my country and be part of this history,” he wrote.
He earned 27 caps for Spain, contributing four assists, and played in two World Cups—2022 in Qatar and 2026 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—as well as Euro 2020 and three Nations League campaigns. His debut came under Luis Enrique in a 2020 friendly against the Netherlands, and his final appearance was in the World Cup semifinal against France on July 14.
Atlético Madrid responded by praising his commitment, stating, “Proud of your dedication and the way you represented and defended the shirt.”
Follow us for live European news
- 2
- 1
- 1

