Marcos Llorente announces his retirement from the Spanish National Team after reaching world glory
Atlético de Madrid midfielder, Marcos Llorente, has surprised the football world by officially announcing his retirement from the Spanish national team. At 31 years old, the player has decided to put an end to his international career after recently winning the world champion title in the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada 2026.
Through a message on his social media, Llorente described his departure as a personal decision, deeply considered and felt. The footballer clarified that his choice did not depend on the sporting results obtained, as he had the firm intention of taking this step regardless of his participation or success in the last World Cup.
A career marked by success
Marcos Llorente closes his cycle with the Spanish national team after accumulating 27 international caps. His official debut took place on November 11, 2020, under the technical direction of Luis Enrique, while his last appearance was recorded on July 14, 2026, during the semifinal match against France under the command of Luis de la Fuente.
- Debut: November 11, 2020.
- Last match: July 14, 2026 (World Cup Semifinals).
- Main achievement: 2026 World Champion.
- World Cup appearances: Qatar 2022 and 2026 World Cup.
I have decided to close my chapter with the National Team. I am aware that I am still young and that, perhaps, if I continued to do things well, I would still have years left to keep playing in this jersey. I know that many of you will not understand it and, surely, I would not have understood it either from the outside. But it is a personal decision, very well thought out and, above all, deeply felt.
Marcos Llorente
Gratitude and legacy
The player expressed his infinite gratitude towards all the people who were part of his journey, especially highlighting the time spent together during the last 52 days that culminated in the conquest of the world trophy last July 19th against Argentina. Llorente retires with the satisfaction of having contributed to placing Spain at the pinnacle of global football.
For its part, Atlético de Madrid did not take long to show its support for the footballer through an official statement, expressing the pride the institution feels for his commitment and for the way he has represented the national colors, reaffirming his status as a key figure in the recent history of Spanish sport.
Official post by Marcos Llorente regarding his retirement from the Spanish National Team
