Marcos Llorente retires from Spain after 2026 World Cup triumph
Marcos Llorente has retired from Spain duty, ending his international career weeks after helping the national side win the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Atletico Madrid player confirmed the decision in an emotional social-media message, saying he had reached it after lengthy reflection. Llorente, 31, leaves with 27 senior appearances, two World Cup squads and one European Championship on his record.
He stressed that Spain’s World Cup outcome had not influenced his choice. The former Real Madrid player said he had already decided to step away whether he made the tournament squad or Spain lifted the trophy, describing the call as personal, carefully weighed and heartfelt.
Llorente thanked the people around the national team and singled out the final 52 days with the World Cup-winning group, which he said fought until the end to take Spain to the top.
Who is affected
- Spain: The squad loses a versatile option capable of playing in midfield or at right-back.
- Atletico Madrid: Llorente remains fully available for Diego Simeone’s club, having played all three opening matches of the season.
- Luis de la Fuente: Spain’s coach must plan future selections without a player who featured prominently during Luis Enrique’s time in charge.
Llorente’s Spain timeline
- He represented Spain at Under-19 and Under-21 level, including a youth debut against the Netherlands in Katwijk aan Zee under De la Fuente.
- His senior debut also came against the Netherlands, in 2020 at Amsterdam Arena.
- He became a significant figure under Luis Enrique but later found regular starts harder to secure.
- He missed the latest European Championship, with Dani Carvajal and Jesus Navas selected as right-back options.
- He returned to the international setup for Spain’s successful 2026 World Cup campaign before announcing his retirement.
At club level, Llorente has started Atletico’s campaign with two wins and a draw, leaving Simeone’s unbeaten side third in La Liga. He was also an important part of the Atletico team that won the 2020-21 La Liga title.
What happens next
Llorente’s immediate focus is Atletico’s domestic schedule and maintaining their early title-race momentum. Spain will move into their next international window without him, while De la Fuente considers replacements for a player whose adaptability offered cover across midfield and defence.
