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Eight months into 2020, and football has not been the primary concern of the global population. The coronavirus pandemic has swept across the world, resulting in various different and valid areas of concern for people.
However, 2020 also saw the quiet exit from the footballing stage for many superstars. From World Cup winners to multiple Champions League victors, this year saw some of the best in the business announce their retirement.
We look at the 7 football superstars who retired in 2020.
#7 ANDRE SCHURRLE
The man who provided the assist for Mario Gotze's winning goal in the finals of World Cup 2014, Andre Schurrle announced his retirement on 17th July this year.
The 29-year old cited loneliness as a prime factor for his retirement. Schurrle made his name at Bayer Leverkusen, before playing for the likes of Chelsea, Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund in his career. The forward spent last season on loan at Spartak Moscow from Borussia Dortmund.
Blessed with good pace and renowned for his work ethic, the Germany international made 373 appearances in all club competitions, scoring 86 goals.
#6 LUCIO
Regarded as one of the best centre-backs during his prime, Lucio was a strong defender well-known for his aerial prowess.
The Brazil international was a regular fixture in Bayer Leverkusen's defence for three and a half seasons, before becoming one of Europe's best with his spell at Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. He was a part of the Inter Milan side which would win the treble under Jose Mourinho.
The 42-year old left Inter Milan in 2012, making appearances for Juventus, FC Goa, and Brasiliense. He announced his retirement on 29th January.
#5 LEIGHTON BAINES
An underrated defender for much of his Premier League career, Leighton Baines's retirement was a surprise for many people.
A Wigan Athletic product who made more than 150 appearances for the club, the England international moved to Everton in 2007 for £5 million. The left-back immediately became a vital cog in the first-team, with his crossing, work ethic and set-piece delivery contributing immensely to Everton's style of play.
Baines announced his retirement at the end of the Premier League season. The 35-year old had made more than 400 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees.
#4 DANIELE DE ROSSI
Roma's very own, Daniele De Rossi spent the majority of his playing career with boyhood club Roma.
An aggressive, energetic midfielder, De Rossi was an excellent tackler with good vision and technical ability. He made his debut for Roma in 2001, going on to make more than 600 appearances in all competitions before leaving the club in 2019. With Italy, he won the World Cup in 2006.
After leaving Roma, De Rossi decided to join Boca Juniors in Argentina. After seven appearances and one goal, the 37-year old announced his retirement in January.
Also Read: Top 5 contenders for the 2020 Golden Boy award
#3 DAVID VILLA
Considered to be one of the best strikers of his generation, David Villa is arguably the best no.9 Spain has ever produced.
A Sporting Gijon youth product, Villa made his name with Valencia, where he made 225 appearances in all competitions and scored 129 goals. A move to Barcelona followed, where he won the league twice as well as the Champions League. For Spain, he won the World Cup, where he was his country's top goalscorer, as well as the Euros.
After stints with Atletico Madrid, New York City and Vissel Kobe, the 38-year old retired this year.
#2 VINCENT KOMPANY
One of Premier League's finest defenders, Vincent Kompany is a Manchester City legend, joining the City project at its infancy.
The Belgium international made his name at Anderlecht and Hamburger SV before moving to Manchester City in 2008, where he would make more than 350 appearances in all competitions in eleven years. A towering centre-back who was appreciated for his leadership and match intelligence, Kompany won four Premier League titles with the club.
After a short stint back at Anderlecht, he announced his retirement in August, and is currently the manager of the Belgian side.
#1 IKER CASILLAS
One of the best goalkeepers of all-time, Iker Casillas is synonymous with the art of shot-stopping.
A Real Madrid youth product, Casillas would go on to make more than 700 appearances in all competitions for his beloved Los Blancos, becoming captain of the club as well. An agile goalkeeper with good reflexes and a calm demeanour, Casillas left Real Madrid in 2015, moving to Porto.
With the Portuguese club, Casillas was a starter for four seasons. However, a heart problem in 2019 resulted in him not starting in his last season at the club. The 39-year old retired this year and is now an advisor to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Also Read: 10 most valuable squads in world football
