Big-name players retired in 2023

MESUT OZIL

The German midfielder was one of the greatest playmakers of his generation playmakers of his generation and it's a shame to see him hanging up his boots. He blessed the Premier League with some great moments and also got his hands on the World cup with Germany.

GARETH BALE

The Welsh Winger went out on the International stage and announced his retirement in January, soon after the World Cup. His stardom peaked while at Real Madrid and he had a large helping hand in the countless trophies the club won.

BOJAN KRKIC

It's crazy to think that Bojan, who was dubbed as the 'New Messi', has retired before Messi himself. He won 10 trophies with Barcelona and enjoyed stints with the likes of Roma, Milana and Ajax.

SIME VRSALJKO

The Croatian full-back won La Liga and the Europe League with Athletico Madrid, but injuries held him back from reaching his full potential. He also started in the 2018 World Cup final and received 52 caps for his country.

FERNANDO LLORENTE

The physical Spanish forward scored over 200 goals his career and made 676 appearances at club level. He enjoyed spells with Athletic Bilbao, Juventus and Tottenham.

LUCAS LEIVA

Lucas will always have a place in Liverpool Fans' hearts. The Brazilian midfielder took the decision to retire this year ager 36 after a heart issue was detected.

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR

Aged 39, Adebayor announced his retirement from football in March. The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward had spent his final years playing in his native country of Togo for Semassi.

JOAO MIRANDA

The Brazilian defender spent his best days with Athletico Madrid and Inter Milan, but he decided to hang up the boots earlier this year.

ELJERO ELIA

The Dutch winger played in five different countries throughout his career and has notable spells with Werder Breman, Feyenoord and Southampton.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC

The legendary goal scorer finally hung up his boots after barely featuring for Milan in the 2022-23 Campaign. His surprisingly emotional farewell speech had pretty much everyone at the San Siro blubbing away.

JOAQUIN SANCHEZ

The Spanish winger mainly played in his homeland for different clubs. In LaLiga, Joaquin Sanchez made over 600 appearances that involve playing for Real Betis, Valencia and Malaga CF. 

CESC FABREGAS

Although Cesc Fabregas had two more years in his contract with Serie B side Como 1907, he decided to retire. Fabregas bossed the midfield of high-profile clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and his boyhood side FC Barcelona. 

GIANLUIGI BUFFON

The goalkeeper has had a milestone of a career, defying age, calibre and expectations. Winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy only to see Juventus getting relegated after the “Calciopoli scandal”. Buffon’s almost 30-year rich career stemmed from Parma and completed a full circle to end with Parma.

DIEGO GODIN

Aged 37, Diego Godin decided to go no further with playing professional football. His last appearance came for Argentinian side Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield. 

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The 37-year-old injured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the 2023-24 pre-season training with Real Sociedad and thus decided to announce his retirement. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner won four Premier League trophies during his decade-long stay at the blue horizon of Manchester.