Romain Saïss Bids Farewell to the Atlas Lions
Long time Moroccan skipper, Romain Saïss, has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 35.
Leaving as one of the most decorated leaders to ever wear the Moroccan kit, the Al Sadd defender departs at a high point.
Saïss was the anchor during Morocco’s most successful period on the global stage. Over a career spanning eighty-six caps, he evolved from a reliable center-back into a fan favorite.
His international journey is punctuated by two historic milestones. First, he captained the squad that stunned the world in Qatar during the two thousand 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach a semifinal. His bravery—often playing through visible injury—defined the spirit of that tournament. Additionally, he most recently led the team to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, cementing his status as a perennial winner and a bridge between generations of Moroccan talent.
Replacing a captain of Saïss’s caliber is no small feat for manager Walid Regragui. While the Atlas Lions boast a wealth of young defensive talent, the Saïss-shaped hole in the dressing room will be felt. He leaves behind a culture of discipline and a belief that Morocco can compete with—and defeat—the very best in the world.
With the former Wolves man on the final years of his club career in Qatar with Al Sadd, he does so with the eternal gratitude of a nation.
