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Antonio Rüdiger

Antonio Rüdiger is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Real Madrid and the Germany national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Antonio Rüdiger is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Real Madrid and the Germany national team. Born in Berlin in 1993, he has also played for VfB Stuttgart, Roma, and Chelsea. He has won major domestic and European honours with Chelsea and Real Madrid, and was part of Germany’s 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup-winning squad.

Early life and youth career

Rüdiger was born in Berlin and came through youth football in Germany before joining VfB Stuttgart's system. He developed into a professional defender at Stuttgart, where he made his senior breakthrough.

Club career

He played for Stuttgart, Roma, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. His club career includes domestic league and cup titles in England and Spain, plus multiple UEFA Champions League victories.

International career

Rüdiger has been a Germany international since 2014. He was part of the national team that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and has appeared at major international tournaments.

Playing style

He is primarily a centre-back and is widely described as physically imposing, quick, and strong in aerial duels. He is also used occasionally as a full-back.

Key facts

  • Started his senior career at VfB Stuttgart and later played for Roma and Chelsea before joining Real Madrid in 2022.
  • Won the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.
  • Won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.
  • Was part of Germany’s squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
  • Known for his physical style, pace, and aerial strength.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Antonio Rüdiger?
Antonio Rüdiger is a German professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Real Madrid and the Germany national team.
Which clubs has Antonio Rüdiger played for?
He has played for VfB Stuttgart, Roma, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
What trophies has Antonio Rüdiger won with Chelsea?
With Chelsea, he won the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
What trophies has Antonio Rüdiger won with Real Madrid?
With Real Madrid, he has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
What position does Antonio Rüdiger play?
He mainly plays as a centre-back.
Has Antonio Rüdiger won international honours with Germany?
Yes. He was part of Germany’s squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_R%C3%BCdiger
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, club career overview, major honours, and international tournament participation.
  2. Real Madrid C.F. — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/football/first-team/players/antonio-rudiger
    Supports: Current club, birthplace, date of birth, height, career timeline, and honours.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/169438/antonio-rudiger
    Supports: Position, nationality, club history, and player profile details.
  4. Wikipedia Bahasa Indonesia — https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_R%C3%BCdiger
    Supports: Youth club history and club career progression.
  5. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_R%C3%BCdiger
    Supports: Club honours and Germany international honours.