Romain Saïss retires from international football

Captain of the Moroccan national team for several years, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will have been his last competition with the Atlas Lions.

This marks the end of a major chapter in the recent history of Moroccan football. Romain Saïss, who has long led the Moroccan national team as captain, is officially retiring. In an emotional and grateful message, the Atlas Lions captain said he was ending the ‘most beautiful chapter’ of his career playing for Morocco.

From the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, via the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast, Romain Saïss said it had been an honour to wear the red and green jersey and, above all, to have been its captain.

The now former captain of Morocco says he is leaving the national team but will always remain a Lion.

"Dear Moroccan supporters,

Today, I am closing the most beautiful chapter of my life as a footballer. After careful consideration, it is with great emotion that I announce my retirement from international football.

Wearing the colours of Morocco and becoming its captain will remain the greatest honour of my career. For me, this jersey goes beyond sport: it is a story of roots, family and heart. Every time I wore it, I felt the weight of responsibility, but above all, an indescribable pride.

As a child, I dreamed of these moments. I have always given my all for this flag and for this country that has given me so much, constantly guided by love for our nation and respect for its people.

The future of our national team looks bright. I wish them many trophies, InshAllah. From now on, I will be your number one supporter, loyal and passionate, no matter what happens.

I am leaving the national team, but I will always be a Lion."