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Football at the highest level is extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. The unforgiving schedules, intense training regimes and the pressure to perform consistently can take a toll on even the most talented athletes.
As such, it's not uncommon for some footballers to hang up their boots earlier than others. Injuries, fatigue and the natural ageing process can all contribute to this. However, there are also footballers who manage to play deep into their 30s, and some even kick on even after crossing over to their 40s.
It's simply the nature of the beautiful game. Since the start of 2020, we have seen many legends of the game call it a day on their wonderful careers.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the seven greatest players who have retired after 2020.
#7 Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon's outstanding football career spanned over two decades. The Italian goalkeeper is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the beautiful game. Buffon, who began and ended his domestic career at Parma, enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at Juventus.
He won 10 Serie A titles and five Coppa Italias with La Bianconeri. Buffon was a standout performer for Italy in their triumphant run at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The legendary Italian custodian announced his retirement in August 2023.
It marked the end of an era and it left fans and the football world in admiration of his incredible contributions to the game.
#6 Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben had a truly remarkable footballing career. The iconic Dutch winger's journey took him through some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
His incredible dribbling skills, explosive pace and trademark left-footed curlers that regularly end up in the top corner made him one of the most exciting and effective attackers of his generation. Robben was extremely influential for Bayern Munich in their continental treble win in the 2012-13 season.
The Dutchman's eventual retirement from football in 2021 marked the end of a distinguished career. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of football fans for the sheer joy he brought to the game.
#5 Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard called it a day on his football career earlier this week (October 10). Football fans were heartbroken to see a once flourishing career come to a rather underwhelming end. Hazard's career can be broken into two parts; before Real Madrid and after Real Madrid.
In his prime, the Belgian attacker was one of the best in the business. He terrorized Premier League defenders during his time with Chelsea and was a talismanic presence for the Belgian national team as well. Hazard played a pivotal role in two of their Premier League triumphs (2014-15 and 2016-17).
He also won two UEFA Europa League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup with the Blues. Hazard subsequently copped a dream move to Real Madrid in 2019 but unfortunately, his career derailed from that point on.
He struggled with constant injuries and fitness issues and eventually ended up being branded as one of Real Madrid's biggest transfer flops. However, the streets will never forget the absolute maverick Hazard was in his prime.
#4 Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas had a truly wonderful career rich with numerous accomplishments and records. The Spanish goalkeeper spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, where he became an iconic figure and captained them to some major triumphs.
Casillas won three UEFA Champions League titles and five La Liga titles with Los Blancos. He was also phenomenal for Spain on the international front, propelling them to World Cup glory in 2010 and helping them win the UEFA Euro in 2008 and 2012.
Casillas's ability to save goalbound shots earned him the moniker "Saint Iker." He eventually called it a day on his professional football career in 2020 and will go down in history as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
#3 Wayne Rooney
Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney enjoyed a wonderful career replete with plenty of top honours and inspiring moments. After bursting onto the scene as a teenager with qualities that belied his age, Rooney burgeoned into a world-beater at Manchester United under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson.
He enjoyed immense success at Manchester United, picking up multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League title. His versatility, vision and goal-scoring prowess made him a household name in football.
Rooney also donned the England national team jersey, becoming the all-time leading goal-scorer for his country (a record which has now been broken by Harry Kane).
In January 2021, he announced his retirement from professional football, concluding a career that spanned over two decades. Rooney left behind an enduring legacy as one of England's greatest footballers of all time.
#2 Gareth Bale
At the peak of his powers, Gareth Bale showcased the ability to rival the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That in itself is an incredible achievement. The Welsh winger rose to prominence at Tottenham Hotspur and later joined Real Madrid.
He wreaked havoc in the Spanish capital, winning multiple Champions League titles and being an absolute force of nature with his dribbling skills, blistering pace and shooting ability. Bale scored plenty of stunning goals and became a global superstar during his time with Real Madrid.
However, as injuries and a complicated relationship with the Real Madrid management took a toll on his playing time, Bale's career began to decline. In 2023, he announced his retirement, reflecting a career trajectory that, while once glittering, was marred by challenges in the latter stages.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
"The Lion" Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the greatest journeymen footballers of all time. His illustrious career, where he played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, is a testament to his incredible talent, charisma and unwavering self-belief.
The Swedish legend played for some of Europe's top clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax. He was an extremely reliable goalscorer who was not only technically proficient but also extremely gifted in an athletic sense.
Renowned for his physical prowess and audacious style of play, Zlatan's larger-than-life personality made him a fan favourite. In 2023, he announced his retirement, bringing an end to a career that spanned over two decades and showcased his indomitable spirit on the field.
