In 2024, some football players have retired as aging has made it difficult for them to maintain their best level of play.
In this article, we take a look at the top footballers who have retired from the sport in 2024.
Thiago Alcantara
Known for his brilliant ability to throw passes across the pitch, Thiago Alcantara announced his retirement from football after his stint at Liverpool. The famous La Masia midfielder departed Barcelona for Bayern Munchen before finally settling down in England under former coach Jurgen Klopp.
Thiago Alcantara retired at the age of 33 years.
He wrote on social media, “I will always be willing to give back what I have been given, and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it.
“Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way. See you soon.”
Ryan Bertrand
Since Ryan Bertrand left Leicester City, where he made just four appearances last summer, he has been without a club. The English international was a Chelsea player from 2006 to 2015 but went on loan multiple times. He, however, was part of the squad that won the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea.
Joe Hart
A Manchester City legend, Joe Hart served as goalkeeper between 2006 and 2018. During this 12-year stint, Joe Hart helped the English champions to two Premier League titles.
The England international played on loan at Torino, West Ham, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, and recently Celtic, where he finally retired at 37 years old.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones featured last for Manchester United in the 22/23 season in a 3-0 win against Brentford. He joined Manchester United from Blackburn in 2011 but has not been able to get playing time because of his record of injuries.
At 32 years old, Phil Jones announced his retirement from football and revealed plans to go into coaching.
Marouane Fellaini
The tall, hairy Belgian during his Manchester United days was a decent player, at least in terms of finding a goal with his header. Fellaini played football last at Shandong Thaisan in China.
He announced his retirement in February. “I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level.”
Pepe
In the last decade, the Spanish El-Classico shall never forget how Pepe and his Real Madrid fellows ignited a frenzied atmosphere against Barcelona (and Messi). Tough, aggressive, and sharp, Pepe is one of the best defenders in the history of football.
Aged 41, Pepe announced his retirement this month, hanging his boots as a Real Madrid and Porto legend, winning 34 trophies.
Claudio Bravo
The Chilean’s illustrious career started at Colo-Colo in his native Chile, where he later joined Real Sociedad. Following eight years in San Sebastian, he moved to FC Barcelona, which was then managed by Luis Enrique. Following two years of competing with Marc-André ter Stegen for the senior team jersey, he made the decision to join Manchester City in the summer of 2016, and after four years there, he returned to Spain and joined Real Betis.
With just two years at Barcelona, Bravo won nine trophies.
Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci, the hero of Italy’s goals in the Euro 2020 final, announced his retirement from football at the age of 37. Along with his achievements with his nation, he had a successful club career, playing for Juventus, AC Milan, Union Berlin, and Fenerbahce, during which he won 19 major championships. The Old Lady declared after the news that Bonucci’s name would be “etched into the Juventus archives” for all eternity.
Wojciech Szczesny
For Arsenal supporters, it will take some effort to move past Wojciech Szczęsny. As previously said, he emerged from the youth academy to become one of Arsenal’s greatest goalkeepers of the Premier League era, perfecting his trade under Arsene Wenger.
Szczesny played for the Arsenal side that won the FA Cup in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Later, he was a part of the squad that witnessed Juventus’ end of reign as the dominant team in Italian football, winning three Coppa Italias and three Serie A crowns. In addition, he received 84 caps for his nation.
Toni Kroos
Real Madrid’s German midfielder #08 Toni Kroos waves as he celebrates the victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League final football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, at Wembley stadium, in London, on June 1, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)
Regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Toni Kroos hardly put a foot wrong. He would not break a sweat but would find the right man from this right or left foot pass. He was just good!
Since moving from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid in July 2014, the 34-year-old has had an illustrious career filled with awards, having won four Champions League titles and La Liga. Additionally, Kroos was a member of the German squad that won the 2014 World Cup.
He announced his retirement on social media, writing, “My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on, there is only one leading thought: go for 15!!! HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE
Source | Vanguard
