'Time to listen to my body' – Sunderland player retires from international football after injury battle

Sunderland defender Reinildo Mandava has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an emotional close to a long and deeply personal chapter with the Mozambique national team.

The 31-year-old, who is approaching his 32nd birthday, has been a key figure for his country across multiple international tournaments and qualifying campaigns, earning widespread respect for his commitment, resilience and leadership. Mandava’s decision comes after careful reflection following a serious injury earlier in his career, as well as the growing physical and emotional demands of balancing club and international football.

Now playing in the Premier League with Sunderland, Mandava has previously spoken of fulfilling a childhood dream by competing in England’s top flight. However, the toll of long-distance travel, tight schedules and recovery from injury has ultimately led him to step aside from international duty, making way for the next generation.

Mandava confirmed that his final appearance for Mozambique came at the Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025 in Morocco, where he was able to say goodbye wearing the national jersey one last time. In a deeply moving statement, he reflected on his journey, his family, and what representing his country has meant to him.

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Below is Mandava’s statement in full: “I write these words with a heart full of gratitude, emotion and respect. It’s been many years of total surrender to our National Team jersey – a journey that I started when I was just a child, full of dreams and a will to honour the name of our country. Today, at 31 on the way to 32 years old in a few days, I know that for many they will say that I am young and yes I am, but it has nothing to do with that, but with the serious injury I had, and it’s time to listen to my body.

“I feel it’s time to close this beautiful and remarkable cycle of my life. From that first moment until now, I’ve lived everything with passion. I carried our flag with me wherever I played, always with pride and a sense of mission. The National Team has been, and always will be, an essential part of my history – it has shaped me as a man, as an athlete, and a role model to my kids.

“Throughout this journey, I’ve experienced profound joys and challenges. I lost my mother, my pillar, at a stage when football was taking me far from home. I got married, built a family, and today I am a father of two wonderful children and a newborn baby who fills my heart with strength and responsibility. All that I have achieved I owe to them too, because they are my biggest reason to keep fighting and to inspire.

“There were years of hard work and overcoming. I went through the Beira Railway and the Maputo Sports League before embarking on the European adventure that changed my life. I played in Benfica B, AD Fafe, SC Covilhã and Belenenses SAD, until I arrived in France at LOSC Lille, where I had the honour of being a champion of Ligue 1, being the best left-back in France and winning the Trophée des Champions.

“Then came Atlético Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I experienced intense moments and unfortunately also the serious injury I suffered against Real Madrid. It was a tough period, but a lot of learning. Today I realised another dream: to play in the English Premier League for Sunderland AFC, the championship I have always admired since childhood.

“This injury has changed the way I see football and life a lot. I’ve learnt that the body has limits and time teaches us to choose wisely. Since then, I’ve been trying my best to divide my commitment between the club and the National Team, but over the years, it has become harder and harder. Long intercontinental travels, tight flights and time zones, physical and emotional wear and tear – all of this weighs more today than before. And it is out of love and respect for the National Team, and not out of fatigue, that I decide to say: it’s time to make room for the younger ones.

“This decision was thought with the heart. I wanted to say goodbye after the African Championship of Nations (CAN), which took place now December 2025 in Morocco, wearing our jersey for the last time, singing the National Anthem with tears of pride and giving everything until the last minute, as I always did. I wanted to go out onto the field with a light heart, knowing that I’ve given my best to my country, and so we did.

“During all these years, the National Team has given me so much – given me identity, taught me discipline and representation, helped me grow and get where I am. That is why I received, with humility and excitement, the Medal of Sports Merit – one of the greatest accolades an athlete can dream of. But more than medals and trophies, what I take with me are the memories: the anthem before each game, the smiles of the fans, the hugs in the spa, the tears of victories and defeats.

“To all the coaches, teammates, managers and fans who have accompanied me throughout these years, thank you very much. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me through the hardest times and making me a better man. I am also grateful to my family, which has always been my safe haven – my parents, my wife and my children, who are my greatest victory. Walking out with a full heart and head held high. Proud of what I’ve lived, what I’ve accomplished and what I represented.

“I will always root for the National Team, now from the outside, as a passionate fan, as a father who wants his children to grow up seeing Mozambique dreaming and winning. With all the respect, gratitude and love for my country, thank you for everything I experienced with this jersey. With esteem and eternal consideration REINILDO ISNARD MANDAVA”

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