Ellyes Skhiri has called time on his international career with Tunisia. The Cologne midfielder broke the news on Instagram on Wednesday, drawing a line under a decade with the Eagles of Carthage that included three World Cups and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. English fans may remember him from Russia 2018, when Tunisia pushed Gareth Southgate’s side all the way before Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner.
What Ellyes Skhiri said about retiring from Tunisia
Skhiri announced the decision on his Instagram account: “The moment has come for me to announce the end of my international career.” The 31-year-old added that “wearing this shirt and representing my homeland was a source of immense pride and honour”, and that “the emotions, the moments of participation, and all these memories will remain engraved in my mind”.
The decision appears to be entirely personal, with no suggestion of any dispute with the Tunisian federation. Skhiri remains under contract at Cologne in the Bundesliga, according to the report by Anadolu Agency carried by Goal.
Three World Cups, including that night against England
Skhiri played at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, plus four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. At Russia 2018, Tunisia were drawn alongside England in Group G and held Southgate’s side at 1-1 until the 91st minute, when Harry Kane headed home a corner to seal a 2-1 win in Volgograd. It was the match that launched England’s run to the semi-finals.
Four years later in Qatar, Skhiri was in the Tunisia midfield as they beat France 1-0 in the group stage, one of the most memorable upsets in the tournament’s history even though it was not enough to reach the knockout rounds.
From Montpellier to Cologne: Skhiri’s club career
Born in France, Skhiri came through the academy at Montpellier and made more than 150 Ligue 1 appearances before moving to Cologne in 2019. A box-to-box midfielder known for his engine and late runs into the box, he has been a regular starter in the Bundesliga ever since.
Eligible for both France and Tunisia, he committed to Tunisia in 2017. The choice paid off with three World Cups, a return that would have been far from guaranteed in France’s crowded midfield.
What Skhiri’s retirement means for Tunisia
Tunisia lose one of their most experienced midfielders just months after the 2026 World Cup. The Eagles of Carthage will now have to rebuild the middle of the park ahead of the next Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup 2030 qualifying.
For Skhiri, stepping away from international duty removes the long-haul travel between Germany and Africa during international breaks and should help him extend his club career at the top level.
FAQ
Why has Ellyes Skhiri retired from international football?
He announced on Instagram that ‘the moment has come’ to end his international career after three World Cups and four AFCONs with Tunisia. He did not cite any dispute with the federation.
How many World Cups did he play?
Three: Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Did he play against England?
He was part of the Tunisia squad at the 2018 World Cup, where England beat Tunisia 2-1 thanks to Harry Kane’s stoppage-time winner in Volgograd.
Which club does he play for?
He plays for Cologne in the German Bundesliga, having previously spent five years at Montpellier in Ligue 1.
What was his biggest moment for Tunisia?
Starting in midfield as Tunisia beat France 1-0 in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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