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Moroccan national team captain Romain Ghanem Saïss has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a distinguished career in which he earned 86 caps for the Atlas Lions and scored three goals.
Saïss, who has worn the captain’s armband since 2019 after succeeding Mehdi Benatia, shared the news in a post on his Instagram account: «After deep reflection, I announce to you, with great emotion, my retirement from international football».
The Al-Sadd defender said representing Morocco and leading the national team will remain the greatest honor of his career. He described the national jersey as more than just a symbol of sport, calling it «a story of roots, family, and heart». Every time he wore it, he said, he felt both the weight of responsibility and an indescribable sense of pride.
The former captain expressed gratitude to his teammates, whom he described as having become a «real family» over the years. He also thanked the technical and medical staff, as well as the coaches who trusted him. Saïss paid special tribute to Moroccan fans and extended his «deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him», praising the monarch’s vision and the federation’s work in developing infrastructure and professional training, which he said have made Morocco «a reference in world football».
He voiced confidence in the future of the national team, wishing them many more titles, and said he would remain the Atlas Lions’ most loyal and passionate supporter, «no matter the circumstances».
Saïss represented Morocco in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments starting in 2017 and featured in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, playing a key role in one of the most successful eras in Moroccan football history.
