A footballer’s career is often short, with most retiring by 35 after about 20 years in the game. Footballer who retired in 2024 highlights the reality that football’s physical demands and increasingly packed schedules make retirement inevitable. While some players are ready to move on, others struggle with life after football. Athletes are often said to “die twice”: once when they retire and again later in life.
In 2024, the issue of intense match schedules and player health has grown serious. Although it’s unclear if this directly causes retirements, the impact is undeniable if left unaddressed.
Here are some famous footballers who retired in 2024.
List of Biggest Footballer Who Retired in 2024
| Name | Last Club | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raphael Varane | Como | France | 31 |
| Wojciech Szczesny | Juventus | Poland | 34 |
| Pepe | Porto | Portugal | 41 |
| Toni Kroos | Real Madrid | Germany | 34 |
| Thiago Alcantara | Liverpool | Spain | 33 |
1. Marouane Fellaini
In February 2024, Marouane Fellaini, who was one of the highest-paid players in the Chinese Super League, decided to call it quits. After spending five years playing in Asia, he made a good living and finally chose to retire. Fellaini expressed his gratitude in a social media post, saying, “What an amazing journey it’s been.”
Known for his iconic hairstyle and strong performances, especially at Everton, Fellaini made his mark with powerful headers and hard work. During tough times at Manchester United, he was a reliable player, earning the affection of fans even if he wasn’t the most skilled on the team.
Career Stats:
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | 177 | 33 | 24 |
| Manchester United | 177 | 22 | 9 |
| Shandong Taishan | 141 | 50 | 14 |
| Standard Liege | 84 | 12 | 6 |
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2. Joe Hart
Joe Hart was a key part of Manchester City’s first Premier League title win in 2012. Known for his confidence, he became a fan favorite at Celtic, where he continued to play until his retirement in 2024. Though his Manchester City career ended when Pep Guardiola preferred a keeper who could play out from the back, Hart continued to shine for other clubs.
He decided to retire while still performing well at Celtic, stating that he didn’t want to keep playing until his body forced him to stop.
Career Stats:
| Club | Matches | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City | 348 | 347 | 137 |
| Celtic | 153 | 145 | 64 |
| Shrewsbury Town | 55 | 63 | 15 |
3. Ryan Bertrand
Ryan Bertrand will always be remembered by Chelsea fans for playing a key role in their 2012 Champions League win. Although he retired in June 2024, he had been without a club for some time after leaving Leicester City. Bertrand has kept quiet about his plans for the future, but he confirmed his retirement via a BBC interview.
Career Stats:
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton | 240 | 8 | 17 |
| Norwich City | 60 | 0 | 2 |
| Chelsea | 57 | 2 | 2 |
4. Leonardo Bonucci
Famous for shouting, “It’s coming Rome!” after Italy’s Euro 2020 win, Leonardo Bonucci is one of the greatest defenders in football history. He retired after an incredible career, winning nine Serie A titles. In 2023, Juventus said farewell to him with a heartfelt statement, marking the beginning of his retirement journey.
Career Stats:
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juventus | 502 | 37 | 10 |
| AC Milan | 51 | 2 | 1 |
5. Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara retired in July 2024 after leaving Liverpool. Although injuries prevented him from playing as much as fans wanted, he was still a legendary midfielder, known for his passing skills. Despite the setbacks, Thiago was satisfied with his career and thanked everyone who helped him along the way.
Career Stats:
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 235 | 31 | 37 |
| Barcelona | 100 | 11 | 20 |
| Liverpool | 98 | 3 | 6 |
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