Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31, bringing an emotional end to his Spain career after 27 appearances for La Roja.
As gathered by Softfootball, the Atlético Madrid midfielder confirmed that his decision was made from the heart, despite believing he still has years left to contribute at international level. His announcement comes shortly after Spain’s triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Llorente played his part in the team’s successful campaign and registered an assist.
Reflecting on his time with Spain, the midfielder expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country and experience some of the biggest moments of his football career.
For Llorente, however, the decision is not simply about his recent success with the national team. He has previously spoken openly about the physical and mental demands of professional football and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance away from the sport.
The Atlético star has also suggested in the past that he may not continue playing beyond the age of 35, making his decision to step away from international football at 31 consistent with his broader approach to career longevity.
Rather than waiting until his body forces the decision, Llorente has chosen to leave Spain duty on his own terms, following a career filled with memorable experiences.
His retirement means Spain lose an experienced and versatile player, but Llorente can now focus entirely on his club career while preserving the memories of representing his country on football’s biggest stage.
