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Germany Defender Antonio Rudiger Announces International Retirement

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Germany defender Antonio Rudiger on Tuesday announced his international retirement, two months after last playing for Germany at the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old made 86 appearances for the four-time world champions. “After some time reflecting, the moment has come for me to end my national team career and clear the way for the young generation,” Rudiger said in a social media post. Rudiger made his debut in 2014, a month before Germany won the World Cup, but was not included in the squad which travelled to Brazil.

The centre-back said he wanted to focus on his club side Real Madrid, where he is under contract for the remainder of the season.

“A new chapter begins for me now, in which I will focus entirely on my club,” Rudiger said.

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Born in Berlin, Rudiger came through the Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart youth systems before moving to Roma and later Chelsea in 2017, where he won the 2021 Champions League. 

He moved to Real in 2022 and won the Champions League and La Liga in 2024. 

Rudiger’s time in the heart of the German defence coincided with a poor decade for the traditional heavyweights. 

Germany crashed out at the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, before a last-32 exit at the hands of minnows Paraguay in 2026, Rudiger’s last match in Germany colours. 

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“Even though the big title eluded us in recent tournaments and we had to endure some painful defeats, this time was an incredibly special chapter for me—one that will shape me forever,” Rudiger continued. 

His highlight at international level was winning the 2017 Confederations Cup. 

Rudiger’s time at Dortmund overlapped with new Germany coach Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at the club, but the defender did not make a first-team appearance. 

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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Ice man got what he deserved

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The Anaheim Ducks are retiring Ryan Getzlaf’s No. 15 jersey on Jan. 30, 2027. The honor will take place before their game against the Nashville Predators.

The Ducks will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2007 Stanley Cup win when they play the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 28. The game is part of the team’s “Legacy Nights” series.

Getzlaf spent 17 seasons with Anaheim before retiring in 2022. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007 and ended his career with 1,019 points in 1,157 games.

The NHL shared the jersey retirement announcement on X, and fans reacted in the replies. One fan wrote:

“The ice man got what he deserved”

Another added:

“One club man. Delivered Lord Stanley… No doubt he deserves it”

One user wrote:

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“Corey Perry should have never left. We could have retired his number too”

Another simply wrote:

“Well deserved 👏”

One more said:

“Awesome for them! #NHL”

Getzlaf also won five gold medals with Canada during his career. They came at the 2003 U-18 World Championship, 2005 World Junior Championship, 2010 and 2014 Olympics, and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.


Ryan Getzlaf ranks among the Ducks’ all-time greats

Ryan Getzlaf finished his Ducks career as the franchise leader in games played and points. He suited up 1,150 times for Anaheim and finished with 1,013 points and 731 assists.

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He moved past Teemu Selanne to become the Ducks’ all-time leading scorer on Oct. 31, 2021, after picking up an assist. Just over two weeks later, he recorded his 1,000th NHL point against the Washington Capitals.

Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli also pointed to what Getzlaf meant to the franchise beyond the numbers.

“Ryan Getzlaf’s impact on the Ducks will be felt for generations to come,” said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli. “While no player in club history played more games or scored more points, it’s his leadership, championship DNA and community contributions we will remember most. He’s a legacy player who rightfully will have his jersey hung alongside Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer at Honda Center.”

Getzlaf was a three-time NHL All-Star and finished with 700 assists, a mark reached by only 56 players in league history. He also ranks 88th all-time in NHL points and 51st in assists.

Getzlaf thanked the Samuelis, the Ducks and the people he worked with during his career.

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“My family and I are so grateful to the Samuelis and the Ducks organization for this incredible honor,” said Getzlaf. “None of this would be possible without all the amazing teammates, coaches and support staff I had in my career. I thank them all and can’t wait to celebrate in front of our great fans in January.”