Showing posts with label Retirement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retirement. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Monday, 31 August 2026
LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, officially ending one of the greatest international careers of all time.
Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 confirmed the news on his social media account, calling it a "decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.
"I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."
Argentina icon
Messi retires from international duty as a national team hero, rivalled only by the late Diego Armando Maradona.
His 125 goals, 68 assists and 207 appearances are all Argentina records, while he ranks top-four all-time in caps, top-two in goals and No. 1 in assists across international soccer.
The 39-year-old reached his greatest heights with La Albiceleste at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leading the country to its third title with 7g/3a over the course of a memorable tournament that culminated with a legendary final win over France.
Messi also won two Copa Américas (2021, '24) with Argentina, and reached the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals. He is the only player in history to win two World Cup Golden Ball awards (2014, '22) and the only player to start three World Cup finals (2014, '22, '26).
Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts.
Thank you, Captain. We love you 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ARfgguHjxd
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) August 31, 2026
Emotional end
Monday's announcement capped an emotional summer for Messi, who guided Argentina to their second straight World Cup final with 8g/4a in eight games, before falling to Spain, 1-0, in the 2026 title match.
That turned out to be his last appearance with La Albiceleste. It also came a few weeks before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner mourned the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final," Messi concluded in his statement.
"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
🚨🚨 LEO MESSI ON IG 🥹🎥 pic.twitter.com/8xO5lcfI2e
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 31, 2026
Statement in full
Messi, the most decorated soccer player in history, addressed his millions of followers on Monday to officially announce the end of his remarkable 21-year run with Argentina:
"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.
"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).
"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!
"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
"Let's go, Argentina!
"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
Jaime Uribarri
LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Lionel Messi has RETIRED from the Argentinian national team 🥺🇦🇷
👕 207 games
⚽️ 125 goals
🅰️ 68 assists
🏆 World Cup
🏆🏆 Copa América
🏆 Finalissima
A true great on the international stage who delivered two of the greatest World Cup performances in 2022 and 2026 🙌🐐
- OneFootball
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Monday, 6 July 2026
NEYMAR JR ANNOUNCES BRAZIL RETIREMENT FOLLOWING WORLD CUP EXIT
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| Image via Radar BioBio |
Former Barcelona star Neymar Junior’s international career has ended in tears, following Brazil’s exit from the 2026 World Cup in disappointing fashion. The 34-year-old was a major doubt for the tournament due to injury, but having made it into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, he could not contribute in what turned out to be a nightmare ending to his Brazil career.
The major upset from the Round of 16 at the World Cup came in the form of Norway on Sunday night, as Erling Haaland’s brace put Brazil to the sword in emphatic fashion, albeit the Selecao did miss a first-half penalty that proved costly. Neymar was brought off the bench in the 67th minute as Brazil desperately searched for an equaliser, but he struggled to make an impact. He did put away a penalty of his own in the 96th minute, but it was too little too late.
Neymar announces retirement from Brazil duty
At the final whistle, Neymar broke down with emotion and heaved out the tears, with several teammates coming over to console him. He would pass through the mix zone on his way out of Metlife Stadium, announcing that his international career was over.
“I tried, I tried. Now it’s over. I started here, I’m finishing here,” MD quote. Neymar began his career against the United States in 2010 in the same ground.
Neymar’s legacy with Brazil
It brings to an end a successful but fraught career for Neymar, who won the 2013 Confederations Cup, and the 2016 Olympics, but failed to bring home a major title. As a teenage prodigy, Neymar was dubbed the successor to Pele, and as such, the hope was that he would deliver the sixth World Cup in Brazil’s history. However his became a tale of constant heartbreak, best exemplified by the broken back that he suffered in 2014, ruling him out of a run at the trophy on home soil.
- Ruairidh Barlow
Monday, 1 June 2026
JAMES MILNER RETIRES AT AGE 40 AFTER LIVERPOOL ICON BREAKS PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Premier League and England legend James Milner has retired after a 24-year career in the top-flight, playing for Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton
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| James Milner has announced his retirement from football(Image: Getty Images) |
Premier League legend and former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
The versatile midfielder left Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the season when his contract expired after three years on the south coast. But instead of finding a new club, Milner has decided to call time on his illustrious career just months after breaking the record for most Premier League appearances in February.
Milner played for six teams in England's top flight. The 61-time England international came through at Leeds United before joining Newcastle United and then Aston Villa. He won the Premier League twice, FA Cup and League Cup at Manchester City before winning all there is to win under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
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| James Milner won multiple honours at Liverpool(Image: (JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)) |
Taking to X, Milner shared an emotional statement: "After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career. From making my debut for @leedsunited, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer.
"I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of @officialbhafc qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"To have gone on to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc and @officialbhafc — and not forgetting a memorable month at @officialstfc — has been an incredible privilege.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way."
He continued: "To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
- Cameron Winstanley
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Friday, 2 January 2026
USMAN KHAWAJA ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL CRICKET RETIREMENT AFTER FIFTH ASHES TEST - AUSTRALIA'S BATTING SUPERSTAR TO BOW OUT
Australian batter Usman Khawaja will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England in Sydney, which will be his 88th. Australia are 3-1 up in the series having already retained the Ashes, and Khawaja addressed the speculation around his future on Friday. Live coverage of the Sydney Test - starting on Saturday January 3 - will be on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Usman Khawaja has announced he will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England in Sydney.
The batter turned 39 last month, and will play his 88th and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground - which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"I’m here to announce today that I will be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test match," Khawaja told reporters at the ground.
"God through cricket has given me far more than I could have imagined. He’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, friendship that goes well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped me, who I am, off the field.
"But no career belongs to one person. I obviously had a lot of help. To my parents, thank you for your sacrifices that never made the highlights reel."
Khawaja has scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39 for Australia over the last 15 years, with 16 centuries.
It is fitting that Khawaja will bow out at the SCG, where he debuted for Australia in 2011 in the Ashes. His inclusion saw him become the first Muslim to play for Australia.
Australia have already retained the Ashes - they lead the series 3-1 - giving Khawaja the chance to bow out from his career in style.
"Funnily enough, I live just up the road from the SCG, on Cook Road, to be exact," he said.
"And I’ll never forget when I was younger, I saw Michael Slater drive in his red Ferrari. I couldn’t believe my luck. I just saw a Test cricketer.
"And as a boy, whose parents were barely scraping through in trying to provide for their kids in a little two-bedroom apartment, I thought, ‘One day, I’m going to be a Test cricketer and one day I can drive whatever I want.’"
He scored his first Ashes century in Sydney with 171 against England in 2018. The SCG was also the site of his career resurgence when, as a 35-year-old, he scored a pair of centuries against England in January 2022.
"This game humbles you," Khawaja added as he announced his retirement on Friday.
"It tests your patience, your resilience and your character. And if you’re lucky, it teaches you gratitude.
"Even on days that it doesn’t go your way, I hope I’ve inspired many children along the way, particularly those who feel that they are different, those who feel they don’t belong, or those [who] others tell that they will never make it.
"I felt all these things growing up, and trying to be an Australian cricketer, but seeing is believing.
"I’m a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. And you can do the same.
"As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace. Or as we say, ‘salam’. Grateful for the journey, the people, the lessons.
"Thank you for letting me live my dream and for sharing it with me."
The 2025/26 Ashes series concludes with the fifth Test in Sydney, starting on Saturday January 3, with every ball live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
- RHYS JONES
Wednesday, 24 December 2025
FORMER BARCELONA STAR RAFINHA ALCANTARA ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
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| Corbis via Getty Images |
Former Barcelona star Rafinha Alcantara has announced his retirement from football at the grand old age of 32.
The Brazilian has posted an emotional message on social media to confirm the news and confirmed he is finally hanging up his boots.
He said in a video message: “After some time away from the pitch and following a long recovery, the time has come to make something important public. I have made the decision to retire. A little over a year ago, I suffered a knee injury which, unfortunately, prevents me from returning to compete at the highest level. It was hard to accept that I couldn’t continue. Thank you to my family for always being there, to everyone for the love and support. Thank you, football, for making me who I am. Goodbye.”
Rafinha started off at Barcelona and spent over a decade at the club before moving on to PSG after a series of loan spells. He went on to play for Real Sociedad and Al-Arabi but has now decided to call it quits.
Barcelona have sent a message to Rafinha after his announcement, posting on XI: “Thank you for your football and for defending these colors with pride and commitment. Good luck in this new stage, Rafinha.”
Thank you and good luck, Rafinha!
Monday, 22 September 2025
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
NBA VETERAN CHRIS PAUL HINTS AT RETIREMENT WITHIN A YEAR
Veteran point guard Chris Paul, after 20 years in the NBA, plans to retire soon, expressing a desire to spend more time with family.
Chris Paul, an NBA veteran with a history of holding the record for second-most assists, may soon be retiring from the league as revealed by him recently. The San Antonio Spurs point guard has previously hinted at what he would want to do once the final ball drops and has revealed his reasons for stepping off the court.
Paul gives it ‘at the most, a year’
During an appearance at the American Black Film Festival, Paul revealed that he gives his NBA career “at the most, a year” and announced plans to retire soon after. "I just finished my 20th season, which is a blessing in itself. I've been in the NBA for more than half of my life, which is a blessing. But these years you do not get back with your kids, with your family,” he reasoned. This means that 2025 could well prove to be Paul’s last season on the court.
Although no longer in his prime, the 40-year-old player started all 82 games with the Spurs last season and put up 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He has previously played for the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, besides the Spurs and has made nine All-Defensive Teams and 11 All-NBA Teams. His Suns made it to the NBA Finals in 2021 but lost out to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.
The retirement plan
It seems change is in order for the 12-time All-Star as his current free agent status reveals that he is looking to end his career in a different team. As revealed by Dallas Hoops Journal, the player has been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets this offseason. NBA insider Marc Stein recently revealed that interest from the Hornets and Dallas Mavericks was turned down by the player.
Although Paul hasn’t publicly stated his expectations from a fresh team, an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show from last month gave some clarity into what’s going on his mind. “My son just turned 16,” he said.
“My daughter is 12. The past six seasons, I've lived without them. I go to San Antonio, Phoenix, Golden State—they were in Houston with me—Oklahoma City… I've been around a few teams, but I've been away from them the last six years. It's a little different. That's the conversation.”
If this were to be the case, the Suns or the Clippers stand a better chance of closing a deal that allows Paul to stay close to his family in the process.
- Stuti Gupta
Saturday, 31 May 2025
Thursday, 22 May 2025
LUKA MORDIC CONFIRMS HIS DEPARTURE FROM REAL MADRID: "THE TIME HAS COME"
Rumors of Luka Modric’s departure from Real Madrid have taken Spanish media by storm in recent days, especially with a new manager coming and looking to pass on the baton in midfield to the next generation.
The player has always been clear that he wishes to continue as a Real Madrid player, at least until the next World Cup. After all, he has shown to have the required quality even at the ripe age of 39.
Florentino Perez and Co. however, did not offer him a contract renewal despite the player’s wish and rumors thus came to light that his time at the club may well be coming to an end.
Modric confirms his departure
Taking to his official Instagram earlier today, the Real Madrid star confirmed the news of his departure and penned a long and emotional farewell message to his fans.
“Dear Real Madrid fans. The time has come. The time I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life, everything has a beginning and an end. On Saturday, I’ll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu,” he began, confirming the end of his time as a Real Madrid player.
The Croatian star then wrote about his dream of wearing a Real Madrid shirt and how it came true in 2012 at a time when he never expected such an illustrious career.
“I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things. But I couldn’t have imagined what came next.”
“Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I’m proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history,” he added.
Modric then went on to thank all the parties involved in his journey at the club including the president Florentino Perez.
" I want to sincerely thank the club, especially President Florentino Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time.”
On the magical moments he has lived as a Real Madrid star, especially in the UEFA Champions League, Modric wrote,
“Over these years, I’ve experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu. We’ve won everything, and I’ve been very happy. Very, very happy.”
Towards the end of his farewell message to fans, the midfield maestro admitted that his deep love for the club will live forever and how it meant the world to him.
"But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart. I truly don’t know how to explain the special connection I have with you and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and still feel.”
“I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me,” he added.
As a conclusion to his message to fans, Modric penned out the emotions he is going through as his connection with the club nears goodbye.
“I’m leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and indelible memories. And although, after the Club World Cup, I won’t wear this shirt on the pitch again, I will always be a Real Madrid fan.”
“We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid, and Nothing Else. Luka Modric,” he concluded.
- Adithya Eshwarla
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES' BRANDON GRAHAM RETIRES FROM NFL
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| Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) exits the field after the Eagles defeated the Buffalo Bills] in NFL action at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in November 2023. Graham officially retired from the NFL on Tuesday. File Photo by Laurence Kesterson/UPI | License Photo |
March 18 (UPI) -- Veteran Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has gone out on a high note, capping his career as part of a Super Bowl champion team.
Graham announced Tuesday he has retired after playing 15 years in the NFL.
"I could not be happier with the way my career played out, the love I've gotten, and the success the Eagles have had as an organization," Graham said during a news conference. "For real, it has been a dream come true."
Drafted out of the University of Michigan in 2010, Graham played his entire career as an Eagle, finishing as the team's third-most sack leader, with 76.5, putting him behind only Trent Cole (85.5) and Reggie White (124), while landing 475 total tackles.
Graham also played for two Super Bowl champion Philadelphia teams, first helping his squad defeat the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LII before the Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX in February.
The 36-year-old Graham said he leaves the game with "no regrets."
The Eagles paid tribute to Graham Tuesday, posting to X that he's "one of the best to ever wear the midnight green. Thank you for 15 incredible seasons, Brandon Graham."
- Ian Stark
Monday, 10 February 2025
REAL MADRID LEGEND | MARCELO
Six times in FIFA'S best team of the year. Whan an amazing career. Farewell, Marcelo.
The greatest left back in the history of the game has retired from football. We will miss you and we will not forget you 🥹🤍
Thursday, 6 February 2025
REAL MADRID LEGEND CONFIRMS RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
- Marcelo announces retirement from playing career
- Legendary left-back enjoyed incredible success with Real Madrid
- 36-year-old left Fluminense in November 2024
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| Marcelo has called time on his career / Laurence Griffiths/GettyImages |
Former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old earned a reputation as one of the greatest left-backs of all time during his 15-year spell with Madrid, which began all the way back in 2007 when the La Liga giants recruited him from Fluminense.
During his time in Spain, Marcelo racked up an enormous 546 appearances for the club in all competitions, becoming the club's first foreign captain in over 100 years as he won enough trophies to become Madrid's most successful player of all time.
Marcelo departed Madrid in 2022 with no fewer than 25 trophies in his cabinet - six LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues, two Copas del Rey, five Spanish Supercopas, three UEFA Super Cups and four Club World Cups.
"At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here," Marcelo said in a video on social media. "Now, I can proudly say that I am a true madrileno. Here, alongside my wife, I have built a family.
"16 seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!
"My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything."
After leaving Madrid in 2022, Marcelo took his talents to Greek side Olympiacos, but he would last less than a year before making his emotional return to boyhood side Fluminense, where he helped the club win the Copa Libertadores before departing in November 2024.
- Tom Gott
Saturday, 1 February 2025
BOXING'S BIGGEST PUNCHER IS NOT DEONTAY WILDER OR MIKE TYSON
The debate will rage on for centuries about who the hardest-punching boxer of all time is. Is it Deontay Wilder or Mike Tyson? Today, WBN puts forward its candidate in Ernie Shavers.
All the talk seems to be of Wilder and Tyson from the last two generations as knockouts get into the boxing debate regularly. However, it’s one man from a golden era who also makes the Shavers case.
Alongside Ron Lyle and Joe Louis, the oldest heavyweight champion of all time, George Foreman listed the three men as ones he wouldn’t have liked to receive a hook from in anger.
Forever bashful, and not one to put himself in that category – even when many would, Foreman sees Shavers, Lyle, and Louis as the frontrunners.
“1 Joe Louis, 2 Ernie Shavers. The others did hit me: Ali, Liston, Frazier, and Lyle,” said Foreman when asked to name the boxers who carry the highest velocity.
Alongside those – possibly without Ali, Wilder and Tyson may come somewhere in the top ten. But without the depth they enjoyed in the division, it’s hard to place either any higher than those three.
Shavers, Lyle, Louis, Foreman, Wilder, and Tyson could be joined by Larry Holmes, Sonny Liston, Rocky Marciano, and Lennox Lewis as ten of the most concussive punchers ever.
Adding Lyle in there would come at Foreman’s request. ‘Big George’ has long championed the destructive nature of the former world title challenger.
“I didn’t get a taste of Ernie Shavers punch. But Lyle gave me a taste of “Space Travel.” Afterward, I could have become a consultant for NASA,” he once joked.
Promoter Lou DiBella gave his case for Wilder when the pair worked together. But like George, Shavers was a constant for both.
“(Deontay Wilder has) Arguably the greatest one-punch power ever. Up there with Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Ernie Shavers. The hardest punchers in heavyweight history,” said DiBella.
Avid boxing fan and Hollywood actor John Cusak was undoubtedly firm about who he sees as the top knockout artist.
“The one thing all the greats agree on somehow is whenever you ask a heavyweight who had the hardest punch, it’s always Ernie Shavers,” he pointed out.
Retiring in 1995 after a failed comeback and another further down the line not counted on his pro record, Shavers stopped 68 of his 74 victims.
He may have had a fearsome punch, but Shavers could also be hurt. He lost seven times via stoppage from fourteen losses.
But that’s what made a Shavers fight a must-see event. You didn’t know which way it could go at times.
Despite not winning the top division crown, Shavers will surely be happy with his place in history with the tag every heavyweight wants to own.
Even being placed in the same sentence as Wilder and Tyson is a testament to the legend of the man.
- Phil Jay
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