Llorente, 31, steps away from Spain team after World Cup win

Marcos Llorente, a 31-year-old World Cup winner with the Spanish national team, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The decision comes just weeks after Spain's victory in the World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In a statement posted on social media, Llorente described his choice as a personal one, carefully considered and made from the heart. He acknowledged that he is still relatively young and could have potentially continued playing for Spain for several more years. However, he stated that the outcome of the World Cup, whether Spain had won or lost, would not have altered his decision. Llorente, who primarily plays as a midfielder but featured as a right back for Spain during the tournament, earned 27 caps for his country over a six-year international career. He debuted in November 2020. During the World Cup, he started two group stage matches and played brief minutes in the semifinal win against France. He also provided an assist to Álex Baena in Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay in their final group game.