Daley Blind announces retirement from the Dutch national team

Daley Blind announced his retirement from the Dutch national team on Wednesday. The defender played 108 times for Oranje and announced on social media that he had decided to retire after a “good conversation” with Oranje manager Ronald Koeman.

The former Ajax and FC Groningen defender said on X and Instagram that wearing the Dutch shirt 108 times was an honor. “For me, this is the highest possible achievement as a player: representing your country,” he added.

“For 11 years, I have done everything to continue wearing this beautiful Oranje shirt. It has brought me so much, so many beautiful moments. I will cherish this. A new, talented generation is emerging, and after a good conversation with the national coach, it is time for me to fully focus on my club and my family,’ the statement read.

Blind is set to compete in the UEFA Champions League this season with his club Girona. The team finished third last season in the Spanish Primera Division behind Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

The 34-year-old debuted for the national side in 2013 in a friendly against Italy in the Johan Cruijff Arena. He scored three goals for the national side, including a goal against Brazil in the third-place game at the 2014 World Cup and a goal against the United States at the 2022 World Cup.

Blind’s last appearance for the national side was a one-minute cameo in a 3-0 victory over Romania at the European Championships of 2024. He finishes his career in fifth place regarding the most matches played for the national side, behind Rafael van der Vaart, Frank de Boer, Edwin van der Sar, and Wesley Sneijder.