Marcos Llorente retires from Spain duty at 31 after 2026 World Cup victory

International retirement after World Cup victory

Spanish international Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from the Spain national team on 3 September 2026, stepping away from international duty at age 31. The Atlético de Madrid player confirmed the move on his official Instagram account, less than two months after Spain won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Argentina in New York on 19 July 2026. Llorente emphasized that the decision had been settled in advance and was not dictated by tournament selection or the team's outcome in North America.

I know that many of you will not understand it and, surely, I would not have understood it from the outside either. But it is a personal decision, deeply considered and, above all, deeply felt. Regardless of whether I had gone to the World Cup or not, or whether we had won or not, this decision had already been made.

International record and tactical versatility

Llorente departs the national setup with 27 senior caps, four assists, and zero goals across nearly six years with the squad. He made his senior international debut on 11 November 2020 in an 18-minute substitute appearance during a friendly match against the Netherlands under then-manager Luis Enrique. Throughout his international career, successive national team managers deployed the Madrid native across multiple roles, including central midfield, interior attacking midfield, and right-back.

During international tournaments, Llorente participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Spain suffered a round-of-16 exit, one European Championship campaign that ended in a semi-final defeat to Italy, and three UEFA Nations League tournaments. At the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Llorente began the competition as the starting right-back before Pedro Porro took over the starting position. Llorente played his 27th and final international match on 14 July 2026, entering as a late substitute in Spain's semi-final victory over France under manager Luis de la Fuente.

Camp reflections and club focus

In his departure statement, Llorente reflected on the 52-day summer training and tournament camp in the United States, expressing gratitude to his teammates, the technical staff, and supporters. He acknowledged that his physical condition and age could have permitted additional years with the national team, but chose to step aside to protect his physical longevity and concentrate on Atlético de Madrid at the Metropolitano stadium, alongside his personal projects.

I am left with everything experienced, but, above all, with these last 52 days. With a wonderful group that fought until the end to leave Spain at the very top. And so it did. It has been an honor to represent my country and be part of this history.

Atlético de Madrid issued a public statement following his announcement, expressing pride in his commitment and representation for both club and country. Llorente had previously offered hints of an early retirement in the Camp Nou mixed zone following a Copa del Rey qualification against FC Barcelona, and now continues his career exclusively at club level.