Career Timeline of Antonio Rüdiger: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 15, 2026

How Antonio Rüdiger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Antonio Rüdiger is a German professional footballer renowned for his role as a centre-back for Real Madrid and the German national team. He is distinguished by his aggressive and energetic playing style. Rüdiger is known for his speed, tackling skills, and command in aerial duels, making him a formidable defender.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2011: Debut for VfB Stuttgart II

On 23 July 2011, Rüdiger made his debut for VfB Stuttgart II in the 3. Liga against Arminia Bielefeld.

January 2012: Bundesliga Debut for VfB Stuttgart

On 29 January 2012, Rüdiger made his Bundesliga debut for VfB Stuttgart's first team against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

April 2013: Contract Extension with Stuttgart

In April 2013, Rüdiger extended his contract with Stuttgart until June 2017.

2013: Season Appearances

In 2013, Rüdiger made 35 appearances and scored 2 goals.

May 2014: International Debut for Germany

In May 2014, Rüdiger made his international debut for the Germany national team.

May 2014: Germany National Team Debut

On 13 May 2014, Rüdiger debuted for the Germany national team in a 0–0 draw against Poland.

August 2015: Loan to Roma

On 19 August 2015, Rüdiger was loaned to Serie A club Roma from Stuttgart for €4 million.

2015: Joins Roma

In 2015, Rüdiger joined Roma on loan from VfB Stuttgart.

January 2016: First Goal for Roma

On 9 January 2016, Rüdiger scored his first goal for Roma in a 1–1 home draw against Milan.

July 2017: Joins Chelsea

On 9 July 2017, Rüdiger joined Chelsea from Roma for a reported initial fee of £29 million on a five-year deal.

October 2017: First International Goal

On 8 October 2017, Rüdiger scored his first international goal in a 5–1 home win over Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying.

November 2017: First League Goal for Chelsea

On 29 November 2017, Rüdiger scored his first league goal for Chelsea in a home win over Swansea City.

2017: Signs with Chelsea

In 2017, Rüdiger signed with Chelsea for an estimated £27 million and won the FA Cup in his first season.

2017: Wins FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2017, Rüdiger was part of the squad that won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

June 2018: Included in 2018 FIFA World Cup Squad

On 4 June 2018, Rüdiger was included in Germany's final 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On 23 June, he played in the second group stage match against Sweden.

October 2018: First Goal of the Season

On 20 October 2018, Rüdiger scored his first goal of the season, opening the scoring in a 2–2 home draw against Manchester United.

2018: Participates in the 2018 World Cup

In 2018, Rüdiger participated in the World Cup.

February 2020: 100th Club Appearance

On 1 February 2020, Rüdiger made his 100th club appearance and scored Chelsea's two goals in a 2–2 draw against Leicester City.

2020: Participates in Euro 2020

In 2020, Rüdiger took part in Euro 2020.

2020: Played every minute in the tournament for Germany

In 2020, he played every minute in the tournament for Germany.

May 2021: Selected for UEFA Euro 2020 Squad

On 19 May 2021, Rüdiger was selected to the squad for the UEFA Euro 2020.

May 2021: Wins UEFA Champions League

On 29 May 2021, Rüdiger won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea after they beat Manchester City 1–0 in the final.

2021: Wins UEFA Champions League with Chelsea

In 2021, Rüdiger won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.

2021: Article on Racism in Football

In 2021, Rüdiger wrote an article for The Players' Tribune, entitled "This Article Will Not Solve Racism in Football", discussing his experiences with racism and potential ways to combat it.

April 2022: Scores First Champions League Goal

On 12 April 2022, Rüdiger scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–2 away win over Real Madrid.

June 2022: Signs with Real Madrid

On 2 June 2022, Real Madrid announced that Rüdiger signed as a free agent for the club. On 20 June 2022, Rüdiger was unveiled as a new Real Madrid player.

September 2022: First Goal for Real Madrid

On 11 September 2022, Rüdiger scored his first goal for Real Madrid in a 4–1 win over Mallorca.

November 2022: Called up for 2022 FIFA World Cup

In November 2022, Rüdiger was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Germany were knocked out in the group stage.

2022: Signs with Real Madrid

In 2022, Rüdiger signed with Real Madrid.

2022: Participates in 2022 World Cup

In 2022, Rüdiger took part in the 2022 World Cup.

2023: First La Liga and second Champions League title

In the 2023–24 season, he achieved his first La Liga and second Champions League title, in which he was named in the Team of the Season for the latter.

2024: Participates in Euro 2024

In 2024, Rüdiger took part in Euro 2024.

2024: Included in Germany Squad for Euro 2024

In 2024, Rüdiger was included in the Germany squad for Euro 2024.

2024: Wins La Liga and Champions League with Real Madrid

In 2024, Rüdiger won La Liga and a second Champions League title with Real Madrid.

April 2025: Secures Copa del Rey Final Spot and Receives Ban

On 1 April 2025, Rüdiger scored the decisive goal against Real Sociedad, securing his team's place in the Copa del Rey final. On 27 April during the 2–3 Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona, Rüdiger received a red card on the bench after continuously attempting to threaten a referee after a controversial challenge including throwing an object, and he was continuously held back by his teammates. Rüdiger's actions were heavily condemned, and he was ultimately handed a six-match ban.