Marcos Llorente ends Spain career at 31 after World Cup

Marcos Llorente has brought his Spain career to an end at 31, leaving the national team shortly after helping the country win the World Cup in July. The Atlético de Madrid right-back said he understood that many people would question the timing, but described the decision as personal and carefully considered.

Llorente departs with 27 international appearances and no goals. He was included in Spain’s victorious World Cup squad but did not play in the final against Argentina. His tournament contribution came in the semi-final, when he featured for a short period in the 2-0 victory over France.

The defender made clear that the result of the tournament did not determine his choice. He had already decided to stop playing for Spain before the competition, regardless of whether the team won or lost and regardless of his own involvement. His international career therefore ends while he remains active at club level with Atlético, where he plays at right-back.

Llorente began his senior career at Real Madrid before moving across the Spanish capital to Atlético in 2019 for €30 million. His honours include the World Cup, two Champions League titles and a Spanish league championship. He leaves the national team with Spain’s highest honour secured, but without extending a career that could still have included further international appearances.