Uruguay legend Luis Suárez retires from international football

His final appearance is set for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo.

Uruguay legend Luis Suárez announced his retirement from international football on Monday, with his final appearance set for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo.

At 37, Suárez, Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 142 matches, expressed his emotional decision at a press conference.

"Friday will be my last match with my country's national team," an emotional Suarez told a press conference.

He cited winning the 2011 Copa America as the pinnacle of his career, a title he described as irreplaceable.

The 37-year-old made his international debut in 2007 and was key in the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup and won the Copa America a year later.

Suárez, known for his dynamic play and controversial moments, including a biting incident in the 2014 World Cup and a crucial handball in 2010, will retire as one of Uruguay’s most celebrated players.

In 2014, he was named England's Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA) on Monday.
He was named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) player of the year the same year.

His international career spanned over a decade, featuring in nine major tournaments and significant club stints with Barcelona and Liverpool.