Key Takeaways:
- Romain Saiss announced his retirement from international football with Morocco following the recent Africa Cup of Nations
- The 35-year-old amassed 86 caps since his debut in November 2012 and captained the Atlas Lions in major tournaments
- Recurring injuries limited his AFCON 2025 participation, with a muscle injury sidelining him after a brief appearance against Comoros
Saiss Steps Down after Distinguished Service
Romain Saiss, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender and captain of the Moroccan national team, has declared his retirement from international football. This announcement arrives just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a notable run for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished as runners-up to Senegal.
This roar will never stop echoing. Romain Saïss. 🇲🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/PP6HdtikcO
— CAF Online (@CAF_Online) February 24, 2026
Career Milestones and International Impact
Saiss’s international journey began in November 2012, debuting in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Togo. Throughout his career, he won 86 caps for the Atlas Lions, representing the 1976 African champions with pride and commitment. The experienced centre-back’s leadership was instrumental for Morocco during various competitions, including their recent AFCON campaign where the national team fell just short of the continental title.
| Player | Position | International Debut | Caps | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romain Saiss | Defender | November 2012 vs Togo | 86 | AFCON 2025 Runner-up, Team Captain |
Injury Setbacks and AFCON Challenge
Currently plying his trade at Al-Sadd, Saiss recently encountered fierce competition for a place in Morocco’s starting lineup, with persistent injuries impacting his availability. During the latest Africa Cup of Nations, he featured briefly against Comoros before suffering a muscle setback, which prevented any further participation in the tournament. This ultimately contributed to his decision to retire from the international stage.
Tributes and Farewells
Saiss addressed supporters via his Instagram account, expressing: “Dear fans of Morocco. Today, I close the most beautiful chapter of my football life. After careful consideration, it is with immense emotion that I announce my international retirement.” He continued, “Wearing the colours of Morocco and becoming its captain will remain the greatest honour of my career. For me, this jersey transcends sport: it’s a story of roots, family, and heart.”
He further reflected, “Every time I’ve worn it, I’ve felt the weight of responsibility, but above all, an indescribable pride. As a child, I dreamed of these moments. I’ve always given everything 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.”
Al Hilal’s Yassine Bounou, who shared the Moroccan dressing room with Saiss, posted a heartfelt tribute to the departing captain: “Dear captain, thank you for all the moments we shared together. It was a great honor to share this journey with you. You are a legend of our team, and most importantly, you are a great person with high values.”
