Axel Witsel has brought the curtain down on his Belgium career, ending an 18-year international journey while beginning a new chapter in Ligue 1 with OGC Nice.
Key takeaways
- The 37-year-old Nice defensive midfielder announced his international retirement on Wednesday.
- Witsel finishes with 140 Belgium appearances, second only to Jan Vertonghen’s record of 157.
- He had initially retired from the national team in 2022 before returning two years later.
- The former Belgium regular was still part of the Red Devils squad at the 2026 World Cup.
- Romelu Lukaku, currently on 132 caps at the age of 33, could eventually move above Witsel.
Axel Witsel ends Belgium chapter
Witsel confirmed on X that he would no longer play for Belgium, describing the decision as final after his previous international retirement proved temporary.
“This time, it is the right one,” Witsel wrote. “It is time to make room for the young players and the new generation. It was an immense pride to have given everything over those 18 years.”
His Belgium story began in 2008, when René Vandereycken handed him his first call-up. It would become one of the longest and most decorated international careers in the country’s modern era, taking Witsel through successive generations of the Red Devils and as far as the 2026 World Cup squad.
Having stepped away from international football in 2022, Witsel returned to the setup in 2024. His latest announcement now closes that door for good.
A major tally for the new Nice midfielder
Witsel joined OGC Nice this summer and now turns his full attention to the French season. His 140 caps leave him behind only former Belgium captain Vertonghen, who made 157 appearances for the national side.
Lukaku is the nearest active challenger. The striker has reached 132 caps and, at 33, could yet overtake Witsel’s total in the coming years.
SEO title: Axel Witsel retires from Belgium duty as Nice midfielder ends 18-year international career
SEO description: OGC Nice midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from Belgium duty at 37, finishing on 140 caps after an 18-year international career.
