Retired Players: see List of Footballers that Retired in 2023

Football, one of the most played and popularly known sports worldwide recorded the retirement of their iconic stars who decorated their career with a lot of goals and trophies the year.

These retired players were top stars from top-notch European clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.

With the many remarkable achievements in football sports, their parting remarks sparked off emotional comments from fans across the globe.

Keep reading to find out more about these retired football players for this year.

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List of Retired Players in 2023

Here is the list of retired players who retired this year.

1) Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon is a goalkeeper who started his career at 17 and made an astounding impact on clubs among which are Juventus, Parma, and Paris Saint-German (PSG), securing 1100 appearances while manning the post for them.

He won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, served his country and club for over 28 years and finally announced his retirement in August 2023.

In his parting remarks, he said “That’s all folks! You gave me everything, I gave you everything. We did it together”.

2) Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Born on October 3, 1981, in Malmo Sweden. Zlatan is one of the leading football players who featured in many football matches as a striker and was recognised as one of the best strikers.

Starting his career in 1999, he has played for many European football clubs and won many prizes and awards both for himself, club and country.

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And finally, on July 1, 2023, as he announced his retirement from his career as a footballer at the age of 42, he said: ” the time has come for me to say goodbye to football”.

3) Francesc Fabregas Soler

Francesc Fabregas Soler (popularly known as Cesc Fabregas) is a Spanish football manager and footballer who played as a central midfielder before he retired. Born on May 4, 1987, in Spain, he was able to break records in his club, earning the reputation as the best player in his position.

He played in many football clubs, represented his country and club in world cups and other related cups and won many trophies therein. he is currently the assistant coach of Como in the Italian Serie B.

In his parting remarks, he recounted his journey through his football career starting from his youth career down to this present day, then he added: “It was a trip I will never forget”.

4) Eden Hazard

At 32, the former Belgian and Chelsea winger who featured in many European football clubs scoring 126 goals in 459 games announced his retirement from football in October 2023.

After winning many titles, cups and leagues, the ex-Chelsea winger said: “After 16 and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I have realised my dream, I have played and had fun in many pitches around the world”.

5) Theo James Walcott

Theo James Walcott popularly known as the Walcott lifted the FA Cup three times, and scored more than 129 for over 560 games, with four published books at his credit.

He said; “I’m lucky enough to have had offers to continue playing but it feels right to finish where I have started and hang my boots. Thank you to everyone who has been with me along the way”.

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6) Mesut Ozil

On March 22, 2023, the German Ex-footballer Mesut Ozil retired from the football game at the age of 35 after playing football for many European football clubs, scoring goals, winning trophies, titles, FA cups and World Cups alike in the position of an attacking midfielder.

Born on October 15, 1988, he said farewell to football with these comments: I’ve had the privilege to be a professional footballer for almost 17 years now and I feel incredibly thankful for that opportunity. But in recent weeks and months, having also suffered some injuries, it became more and more clear that it is time to leave the big stage of Football.

7) Gareth Bale

In his 16 years of an amazing football career, Gareth Bale earned trophies, three Spanish Super Cups, four FIFA World Cups, and three UEFA Cups.

After scoring more than 123 goals in over 322 games, at his retirement, the Welsh ex-footballer and right winger, said: “My decision to retire from international football is by far the hardest decision of my life. My journey on the international stage has changed not only my life but who I am.”

8) Emmanuel Adebayor

Born on 26 February 1984, a citizen of Nigeria and Togo, the striker/African player who has played in many European football clubs, announced his decision to hang his boot in March 2023.

In his farewell speech, the iconic footballer with 9 honours said: “SEA, from the highs to the lows, my career as a professional athlete has been an incredible journey. Thank you to my fans for being there every step of the way. I’m feeling so grateful for everything and excited for what’s to come.”

He retired at the age of 39.

Mentioned above is a list of superstars in different football clubs with different countries of origin who served in the top-notch European clubs and finally decided to retire. They announced their retirement with parting words that sparked off emotional remarks.

These retired players had one impact or the other that they made in the world of football and the lives of their fans and supporters. They retired with a long list of titles, and honours that were given to them, the glories they brought to their country home were numerous to mention and they left a legacy that will live after them.