Montevideo — Luis Suarez, Uruguay’s football legend, announced his retirement from international football on Monday. The 37-year-old forward revealed that his final appearance for his country will be in Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Montevideo.
“It was not an easy decision to make, but I do it with the peace of mind that I will give my maximum until the very last game of my (Uruguay) career,” Suarez said emotionally at a press conference.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, Suarez will retire as Uruguay’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 142 appearances. His international career began in 2007, and he played a key role in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa America victory, where he was named player of the tournament.
Suarez’s career was marked by both remarkable achievements and controversies. Notable incidents include his infamous 2014 World Cup ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, and his handball during the 2010 World Cup that denied Ghana a crucial goal. His club career was also marred by controversies, such as an eight-game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra in 2011.
Despite these controversies, Suarez’s performance and influence on the pitch have solidified his legacy as one of football’s most dynamic and skillful attackers.
