Romain Saïss, who captained the Moroccan national football team, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 35. His career included a significant role in Morocco's historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the team became the first African side to reach the semi-finals. Unfortunately, Saïss' journey in the tournament was cut short due to an injury sustained in the semi-final match against France, which they lost 0-2.

Despite injuries hampering his participation in recent tournaments, including a disappointing African Cup of Nations (CAN) campaign where he played only a fraction of the matches, Saïss has left a significant mark on Moroccan football. He played six seasons with Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League, racking up 206 appearances, and has been a critical figure in the national team setup throughout his career. His departure comes with a heartfelt thank you to his fans, as he shared on social media, expressing deep emotion about concluding what he describes as the most beautiful chapter of his life as a football player.

Saïss’ retirement not only marks the end of an era for him personally but also signifies a transition period for the Moroccan national team. As the country begins to look towards future tournaments, the absence of experienced players like Saïss may prompt a search for new leadership and talent within the squad. His contributions on the pitch and as a leader will be sorely missed, but his influence and legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Moroccan footballers.