Sergio Llull, Spanish basketball legend, retires from international play at 37

Sergio Llull (1.90m, 37 years old) will no longer wear the red jersey of the Spanish national team. The Real Madrid point guard officially announced his international retirement on Monday, after 173 caps and a career filled with titles with La Roja. His final tournament, the Paris 2024 Olympics, marks the end of a golden era for Spanish basketball.

#GraciasLlull 2️3️ | El EJEMPLO perfecto del significado de #LaFamilia 🫶

7️ medallas, 1️7️3️ internacionalidades y un compromiso único 🙌

🍊 @23Llull 🍊#SomosEquipo pic.twitter.com/w0pIdpSTA9

— Baloncesto España (@BaloncestoESP) May 26, 2025

A legend of La Roja bids farewell

Emotions ran high on Monday during the press conference organized by the Spanish federation. Sergio Llull explained his decision to leave the national team: « It’s a difficult but well-thought-out decision. I think it’s time to step back, focus on my club, enjoy time with my family and make way for new generations. »

An exemplary captain, natural leader and fierce competitor, Llull left his mark both through his on-court achievements and his unifying role behind the scenes. Since his debut in 2009, he participated in 12 major international competitions, winning four gold medals (including the 2019 World Cup), one silver and two bronze. In total, he scored 1,166 points, delivered 387 assists and made 174 three-pointers with La Roja.

A player who symbolizes « La Familia »

Present at his side, federation president Elisa Aguilar praised a player who « marked an era for basketball and for La Familia, » recalling the importance of the team spirit he embodied. It was actually Sergio Llull who, in 2017, popularized this term that became emblematic of the national team.

Though absent during the 2022 European championship victory, his symbolic presence remained strong: Rudy Fernández – who also retired after the Paris Olympics – had raised the trophy wearing a jersey with his name, as a tribute to his omnipresence in Spanish successes.

#GraciasLlull 2️3️ | La FOTO 😍

Todos juntos para despedir a Chechi 🫶

El Increíble @23Llull 🤩#SomosEquipo pic.twitter.com/04mVHnzZzn

— Baloncesto España (@BaloncestoESP) May 26, 2025

Final dance at the Paris Olympics

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sergio Llull competed in his fourth Games, a last hurrah even though Spain was eliminated early. This tournament concluded a unique international journey that began in youth categories (U18 European champion in 2004).

With Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez also retiring, Llull’s departure further closes the book on a golden generation. The Real Madrid player will continue his club career… for some time yet.