Julius OkorieThere is a saying that, you “don’t change a winning team” and you “don’t change a winning horse.”
Football managers all over the world, desire to win as many trophies and to do that they want players that can deliver.
When such players are in their killer form, banging in goals day in and day out, the tendency is to have them on the pitch every day to keep doing their best.
But alas there is time for everything, time to arrive and time to leave. Time to be at the zenith, and time to gradually slide down the ladder, due to wear and tear.
Retirement of players, which is inevitable, sometimes comes when it leaves not only a vacuum but also disappointment among fans and stakeholders of the game, but like they say, life must go on. Great players must always retire at some point.
In 2023, a number of interesting players retired from football. Prominent among them were Wales international and former Real Madrid ace, Gareth Bale, who has since embraced golf as his second love after football. Others who hit the exit door include; Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Mesut Özil, Theo Walcott and former AC Milan forward and Sweden icon, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Will Lionel Messi And Christiano Ronaldo Retire?
In the 2024/25 season, more soccer heavyweights are likely to retire from international football. It is not easy to mention the duo of arch-rivals, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Currently, 36 and 39 years old respectively, both players may have hit the twilight of their career, especially moving to what some dub less competitive leagues MLS and Saudi League respectively but they appear to be eyeing the next world cup in 2026 before taking a bow.
Six Soccer Stars Who May Retire at the end of 2024/25 Football Season
Here are some players who are most likely to retire in the 2024/25 season:
1. Luka Modric:
Currently 38, Modric is a highly skilled and devoted player for both his national team and Real Madrid. He is best known for his vision and control of the pitch as a skilled midfielder.
The Croatian team captain, appeared in 164 international games, where he scored 23 goals and proved himself as an effective leader of the team. According to the Croatian 24Sata outlet, Euro 2024 will be the “last dance” for the Croatian legend,who will retire by the time he is 39.
2. Pepe:
The Portugal international, is one of the most celebrated football players of his generation. Despite his age, Pepe, 41, continues to exhibit exceptional talent and actively contributes to his team’s success both in international competitions and inter-club games for Porto.
The key defender has scored eight goals in a total of 133 appearances since his debut season in the Portugal national team in 2007 till now. He just extended his contract with Porto in April and has no plans to retire just yet. However, after the major international competition, it might seem like the best time to leave the podium.
3. Manuel Neuer:
The legendary German goalkeeper, is widely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Neuer has been a mainstay of the German national team, having started in 117 games and leading the team to unprecedented heights, such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Bayern Munich and Die Mannschaft captain has a record of the most clean sheets in Bundesliga history. As a sweeper-keeper, the 38-year-old has been an inseparable part of the success of both teams.
READ ALSO: EPL: How Man City Won Title, Arsenal Runners-up
4. Thomas Müller:
DFB Maenner-Nationalmannschaft 2024,
DFB Men´s National Team 2024,
Thomas Mueller,
Wolfsburg, 05.09.2023,
Foto: Thomas Boecker/DFB
Thomas Muller playing for Germany’s national team
Müller is one of the key ballers in the German national team. Known for his versatility, quick thinking, and clinical finishing. He has been a mainstay in the German national team since his debut in 2010.
Throughout his extensive career in Bayern Munich, Müller played a crucial role in the club’s treble-winning season in 2013, scoring 23 goals in all competitions and being named as the German Footballer of the Year. Muller almost retired after the 2022 World Cup, however, the Euro 2024 might actually be his last resort for the 34-year-old 2014 World Cup winner.
5. Leonardo Bonucci:
Bonucci has been a key player in 120 games for the national team since 2010. At the last tournament, the Italian team captain celebrated the apex of his international career after defeating England and winning the EURO 2020 trophy. It was announced that the Italian will retire from football in the summer of 2024.
The 35-year-old Italian spent the majority of his career at Juventus, where he established himself as an excellent defender and captain. His success and leadership at the club over the years have contributed to him becoming a renowned professional.
6. İlkay Gündoğan:
The Barcelona player is approaching his retirement age, as well. The German midfielder has been a regular member of Die Mannschaft, having debuted there in 2011 and has been an integral part of the team’s success since then. In 2023, Gundogan announced that he has no plans to retire yet.
With his current club, Gündoğan has won several trophies, including three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four EFL Cups. The citizen captain scored 40 goals in a total of 183 appearances. He will be eyeing an additional FA Cup trophy when Manchester City takes on Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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