The life of a footballer is typically very short. At most, they usually have a career of no more than 20 years on the pitch, with 35 being the traditional age to retire at.
When the demands are so high and they are continuing to play more fixtures every single campaign, it is hardly surprising when the door to retirement eventually props open.
Some look forward to the prospect of hanging up their boots, particularly after spending their whole life pushing themselves to the limit on the pitch. It’s draining, tiring, and they get very little break.
However, for others, there is nothing worse than a change in routine; retirement is the biggest change and directly impacts the player and their family.
In 2024, several high-profile names have retired, with more likely to follow.
Marouane Fellaini
In February 2024, Marouane Fellaini, one of the highest-paid players in China Super League history, decided to hang up his boots for the final time.
After playing his trade in Asia for five years, he had unsurprisingly made an impressive financial living for himself — and it seemed to lead to his crucial decision.
“What an incredible journey it’s been,” said Fellaini in a social media post. “I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level.”
Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement from professional football. 🇧🇪
We can never forget the time he nearly killed a steward 😂pic.twitter.com/yN6bwa2RJg
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) February 3, 2024
Joe Hart
When you think about the greatest Premier League goalkeepers, Joe Hart typically pops up on the list.
He played a crucial role when Manchester City won the competition for the first time in 2012, with his charisma, personality, and cockiness which was just about acceptable, standing out from the crowd.
His Man City spell, for all the good, ended in disappointment as Pep Guardiola opted for a goalkeeper capable of playing out from the back.
Since then, the Englishman has travelled across Europe, even becoming a cult hero at Celtic. Even during the 2023/24 season, he was shining for the legendary Scottish side, but he didn’t want his ‘body to be retiring’ him.
Any excuse to run this moment back.
Happy retirement Joe Hart 🩵🩵🩵 pic.twitter.com/DcWiOmL3Wo https://t.co/5aNHFfGs5E
— Ant (@CityBIue) February 22, 2024
Ryan Bertrand
The hero in 2012. Ryan Bertrand will always hold a legendary status among the Chelsea fanbase for his role in the Champions League triumph.
Starting as an unconventional left midfielder with very little experience that night, he excelled, helping the Blues complete the ultimate goal in the sport.
He announced his retirement from football in June 2024, but he had been without a club for the final year after leaving Leicester in June 2023.’
Ryan Bertrand has announced his retirement from football. He made over 200 appearances for #SaintsFC over 6 years at the club 👏 pic.twitter.com/hMVmXWEnsa
— JustSaints (@JustSaints_) June 18, 2024
Leonardo Bonucci
“It’s coming Rome,” Leanardo Bonucci famously said when Italy won Euro 2020 on penalties against England. Naturally, it angered the Three Lions, but for the Italians, it cemented his status.
He is one of the greatest centre-backs of all time — and it’s all for very good reason. Italy’s captain won nine Serie A titles.
To most, it’s not even possible to imagine, yet the veteran centre-back was a consistent force in one of the most challenging leagues there is.
Leo Bonucci officially announces his retirement from football 👋🇮🇹🥹
pic.twitter.com/7KdcwOdwRm— Italy Focus 🇮🇹 (@theitalyfocus) May 29, 2024
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago announced his retirement in July 2024 after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
He had a legendary career, winning the Champions League and countless league titles, but there will always be a case of ‘what if’. The Spaniard had countless injury problems which prevented him from matching with the best midfielders on a regular basis.
At his very best, he was a spectacular passer of the ball, yet just as much time was spent in the medical room. By gliding around the middle of the park and dictating matches, opposition players despised playing against him when he was available.
Yet, despite natural frustration, the former Barcelona midfielder was content with his decision. “I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time, I have enjoyed it,” he posted on social media.
BREAKING: Thiago Alcantara announces his retirement from football 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LIK5zGV6Y6
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 8, 2024
Toni Kroos
Finally, Toni Kroos is not only one of the greatest midfielders of all time but arguably one of the best players ever.
There was nothing more pleasing than watching the German ply his trade in the middle of the park, as he and Luka Modric dominated matches for Real Madrid.
He announced retirement on the 21st May 2024, so the Champions League Final victory against Borussia Dortmund acted as the best send-off for Kroos. However, his final match came at Euro 2024, as more international glory eluded him.
He won the 2014 World Cup with his country, but success on home soil was not possible as they lost 2-1 to Spain in the quarter-finals. Despite that disappointment, he ended his career as a world-class player, which is exactly what he wanted.
“My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level,” Kroos said in a post on his Instagram account. “I am happy and proud that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it on my own.”
Residents from Toni Kroos’ hometown of Greifswald, Germany paid tribute to him after his retirement by gathering and forming “TONI 8” in the middle of the town ❤️
A beautiful gesture for the legend 👏 pic.twitter.com/0gY9CBgWpU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 8, 2024
Players poised to retire in 2024
As the curtain descends on one era, another beckons. The retirement landscape in 2024 is characterized by seasoned players contemplating the final chapters of their illustrious careers.
Widely esteemed, Pepe defies age records, recently becoming the oldest outfield player and oldest-ever goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history. His remarkable journey continues, captivating fans worldwide.
Known for strength and versatility, Giorgio Chiellini‘s stellar career includes winning the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC. At 39, retirement contemplation looms.
Part of Liverpool’s golden era, Adam Lallana‘s stint at Brighton extends until 2024. Could a surprise retirement announcement be on the horizon?
Renowned for his achievements with Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos embarked on a new chapter with Sevilla. While 2024 retirement seems unlikely, his managerial future beckons.
An enduring presence at Villarreal, Raul Albiol‘s extensive career encompasses victories in La Liga and the Italian Serie A. Retirement whispers surround the 38-year-old.
João Moutinho‘s journey from Sporting CP to Wolverhampton Wanderers has seen triumphs. Now with Sporting Braga, retirement speculations arise.
A stalwart in Mexican football, Guillermo Ochoa‘s 2022 World Cup brilliance lingers. With 148 international appearances, retirement contemplation is natural.
A football journey spanning Barcelona to Lazio, Pepe Reina‘s resilience at 41 defies conventional timelines.
