10 Famous footballers who retired in 2023

• This year will go down as the end of an era for a certain generation of football stars who hanged their boots
• From the legendary Gianluigi Buffon to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Theo Walcott, these players have left a legacy
• Since some fans have grown up watching these footballers, it is sad to realize that they won’t be playing again as professionals

With the year coming to an end, we will be looking at some of the most popular and talented footballers who retired in 2023. This year, 2023, will go down as the end of an era for a certain generation of football stars who hanged their boots.

From the legendary Gianluigi Buffon to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Theo Walcott, these players have left a legacy, not only for the trophies they won, but also for their contributions to the sport. Since some fans have grown up watching these footballers, it is sad to realize that they won’t be playing again as professionals. With that said, let’s take a look at the top ten footballers who retired in 2023.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic biography. Photo/ British GQ.

We all can agree that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the greatest football players of all time. With the big Swede still scoring goals in his early 40s, people thought that he was timeless like a piece of art. However, multiple injuries in recent years meant that it was time for him to bring his incredible football career to an end.

Ibrahimovic played for several top clubs, including Ajax, Juventus, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Manchester United, among others. By the time he announced his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season, he had scored 496 goals in 827 games. A living legend he is.

2. Gianluigi Buffon

Gianluigi Buffon. Photo/

Gianluigi Buffon is another player on our list who played into his 40s before deciding to end his career. Buffon hung up his boots at the age of 45 in the summer after enjoying spells at Parma, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His legendary career included winning several league titles and a FIFA World Cup.

Buffon is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and his initial record transfer from Parma to Juventus early in his career just shows how good he was. An icon of the game he is.

3. Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale. Photo/ TEAMtalk.

Gareth Bale will surely be remembered as one of the greatest wingers in the history of the game. The Welsh man achieved great success as a player, winning five Champions League titles among other trophies while at Real Madrid. Even though he struggled with injuries throughout his career, many football fans will agree that Bale’s athleticism was above any other player when he was fit. The news of his retirement became official in January 2023.

4. Eden Hazard 

Known for his dribbling skills and playmaking, Eden Hazard is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League. The Belgium international spent several years at Chelsea, where he achieved great success, before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. With the Los Blancos, things didn’t quite work out well for him and he retired in October.

5. David Silva 

Nicknamed El Mago by his teammates, David Silva had a thrilling career winning trophies with Manchester City and the Spain national team. On the pitch, he was known for his creativity and control, and ranks among the best midfielders of his generation. Silva called it a day in July due to a knee injury.

David Silva is one of the top footballers who retired in 2023. Photo/ Sky Sports.

6. Mesut Ozil 

Mesut Ozil turned 35 two months ago, which means by the time he was retiring in March, he was just 34. The German is one of the greatest playmakers of all time and enjoyed spells at Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Fenerbhace and Istanbul Basaksehir before ending his career.

7. Cesc Fabregas 

One of the greatest central midfielders in history, Cesc Fabregas is best known for his time at FC Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea. Fabregas decided to call it a day while playing for Serie B side Como 1907.

8. Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott. Photo/ Eurosport.

Theo Walcott retired in August at the age of 34. The former England international was at one point one of the best wingers in the world known for his pace and dribbling. He is best known for his time with Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups. Walcott is one of the top footballers who retired in 2023.

9. Diego Godin 

Regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Diego Godin is best known for his nine-year spell at Atletico Madrid. He won numerous trophies, including the La Liga and UEFA Europa League three times. He retired in July after a season at Velez Sarsfield.

10. Emmanuel Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor. Photo/ Goal.com.

One of Africa’s most prominent footballers, Emmanuel Adebayor retired in his native land Togo after enjoying spells in Europe. Adebayor played for clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Crystal Palace before ending his career in March at the age of 39.

Conclusion 

Some of the footballers who retired in 2023 will be remembered among the greats the football world has ever seen. As already mentioned, these players have left a legacy behind and they will be remembered for decades to come due to their outstanding performances and titles won.