5 high-profile football players who retired in 2021

Manchester United v Arsenal - FA Cup Quarter Final
Manchester United v Arsenal - FA Cup Quarter Final

#3. Sami Khedira - Hertha BSC

Hertha BSC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga
Hertha BSC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Bundesliga

Sami Khedira has enjoyed a widely successful career for both club and country.

The German midfielder began his career with VFB Stuttgart, where he spent four years. His performances earned him a move to Real Madrid in 2010 for an undisclosed fee.

Khedira spent five years at the Santiago Bernabeu before moving to Juventus in 2015. He was with the Turin outfit for six years before joining Hertha BSC where he retired this year.

Considered a versatile midfielder, Khedira was capable of playing anywhere in midfield. He has also occasionally been used in defense and has been up to the mark every time.

Khedira enjoyed vast success during his long career. He was part of Stuttgart's Bundesliga winning side in 2007 and went on to win several trophies with Real Madrid.

He won one La Liga title, two Copa del Rey trophies and one UEFA Champions League award with Los Blancos before moving to Juventus. With Juventus, Khedira won five Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia titles.

Khedira also won the FIFA World Cup with Germany in 2014. He is one of the most decorated players of his generation.


#2. Arjen Robben - Groningen

1B v 2A: Round of 16 - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
1B v 2A: Round of 16 - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Arjen Robben is one of the most successful footballers in the history of the sport.

The Dutchman has represented several clubs throughout the course of his career, most notably Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Robben is known for his blistering pace on the wing and his ability to cut in and shoot to great effect.

Having made his name with PSV, Robben earned a move to Chelsea in 2004 for a reported €18 million. He spent three years at Stamford Bridge, winning two league titles and one FA Cup before moving to Real Madrid in 2007.

His time with Real Madrid was relatively short, with Robben spending two years with Los Blancos. He won one La Liga title with the Spanish giants before joining Bayern Munich in 2009.

Robben was with Bayern for ten years, winning a host of different titles. He formed a deadly partnership with Franck Ribery, enabling the side to win a lot of silverware.

Robben won eight Bundesliga titles and five domestic cups, as well as the much coveted UEFA Champions League in 2013. He returned to boyhood club Groningen earlier this year before announcing his retirement in July.


#1. Wayne Rooney - Manchester United, Derby County

Preston North End v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship
Preston North End v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship

Wayne Rooney is a certified legend of modern-day football.

The Englishman came up through Everton's academy before signing for English giants Manchester United in 2004. Rooney went on to represent the Red Devils for 13 years, winning several trophies and becoming a club legend.

Rooney is widely known for his fiery attitude and relentless desire to win. He has played in several positions throughout his career, but is best known for his goalscoring ability.

Rooney enjoyed a very successful period with Manchester United. He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one UEFA Europa League title and one UEFA Champions League title with them.

Rooney also holds the record for being the highest goalscorer in Manchester United's history, with 253 goals to his name. He is also the second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history behind Alan Shearer.

He left United in 2017 to rejoin boyhood club Everton, where he spent a year. Rooney then moved to the US to represent D.C. United for two years. He ultimately returned to England to take upon the role of player-manager at Derby County.

Rooney will forever be remembered as a prolific goalscorer. He has several records to his name, some that seemingly will not be broken for a long time.

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