Oh, to watch the players you grew up with age and retire. 2024 has several legendary players saying goodbye to the beautiful game. A couple of illustrious careers have been halted, with fans saying their goodbyes. This article will bring you a rundown of some of these top stars who have retired this year.

Famous Footballers Recently Retired in 2024 

From Pepe to Kroos and even Varane, here are some famous ballers who have hung up their boots this year.

Andres Iniesta

At 40, one of the greatest midfielders in La Liga and football history has decided to hang his boots. The Barcelona legend’s career was a success on home soil. He lifted multiple trophies, including 4 Champions League trophies, 9 La Liga titles, and 6 Copa del Rey trophies. He concluded his career in the United Arab Emirates after six seasons in Japan with Vissel Kobe. 

“I never thought this day would come”, he said. “I never imagined it. Yes, all these tears … They are tears of that boy from a small town like Fuentealbilla, who had the dream of being a footballer and we achieved it after a lot of hard work, sacrifice … of never giving up … I feel very proud of this path, with all the people who have accompanied me.”

Raphael Varane

Yes, you read right. We were all stunned too when the former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender announced his retirement. He’s done so at the age of 31.

After moving to Serie A club Como, a knee injury in his debut forced the World Cup winner to make the sad decision. With four Champions League titles and an FA Cup to his name, at least Varane’s early retirement leaves him with a stacked trophy cabinet.

Phil Jones

Another Manchester United player, Jones announced his retirement from football in August 2024 at the age of 32. His career, which began promisingly at Blackburn before a high-profile move to Old Trafford, was unfortunately plagued by injuries. This would go on to influence his retirement decision. Unsurprisingly, football-related injuries are the major cause of retirement for most players. “My career finished shorter than I would have liked,” he admitted. 

“But I’m a glass-half-full kind of person. I’ve completed my A license and I’m eager to challenge myself in the world of coaching. I did everything I could to return to playing, but the numerous rehabs I had to go through took a toll on me and my family.“

Pepe

At 41, the Portuguese defender announced his retirement in August 2024 after two decades of professional football. Yeah, we could never. Known for his tenacious defending at Real Madrid, where he won three UCL titles, Pepe’s final matches at Euro 2024 made him the oldest player in European Championship history.

Before then, he even scored for Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His longevity and consistent performance level are an impressive standard for defenders in top-flight football.

Thiago Alcantara

This was another shocker. Also, thanks to injuries. The Spanish midfielder’s retirement in July 2024 came after leaving Liverpool. Despite the fitness struggles in his Premier League tenure, Thiago’s career remains decorated with multiple titles from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. One of the best midfielders when moving with the ball, we will surely miss the magician.

Toni Kroos

A big name and one of the greatest players in his position. The German midfield maestro timed his retirement perfectly, announcing it after Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph and participating in his final tournament at Euro 2024.

In a heartfelt letter he posted on social media, he wrote, “As I have always said, Real Madrid is and will be my last club. Today I am happy and proud to have found in my head and in my heart the right moment for this decision. My ambition was always to finish my career at the top of my level.” 

With four UCL titles, four UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga titles, and the 2014 World Cup, what more could he ask for? He leaves behind his partner Modric who is currently playing his final season with Real Madrid.

Leonardo Bonucci

Remember the brick wall of Chiellini and Bonucci? Peak, impenetrable defense. The Juventus legend retired in May with an impressive nine Serie A titles. He also played for AC Milan, Union Berlin, and Fenerbahce in his final season. Bonucci’s retirement marks the end of an era for Italian defending, joining his partners in crime Chiellini and Buffon who retired in 2023.

Ryan Bertrand

The former Chelsea left-back, who surprisingly started and won the 2012 Champions League final, announced his retirement from football in June 2024. His club career, which included successful spells at Southampton and Leicester, was another unfortunately cut short by injuries. Bertrand’s versatility and experience will be missed in the Premier League.

Joe Hart

The former Manchester City goalkeeper drew the curtains as a Celtic champion. With two Premier League titles and multiple FA Cup victories, Hart’s career spanned successful periods at different clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur. His leadership and shot-stopping abilities earned him England’s first-choice goalkeeper for many years. Hart joins his former teammate, Real Madrid and Arsenal player Emmanuel Adebayor who hung his boots in March 2023.

Marouane Fellaini

The distinctive Belgian midfielder concluded his career in February 2024 after successful stints with Everton and Manchester United in the Premier League, followed by a lucrative period in China. His playing style notably provided tactical advantages, particularly in set-piece situations. If anything, we’ll surely miss the hair.