Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the great players ever to have lived - of course he's the best left winger ever / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images. The Ivorian striker also captained theIvory Coast at three World Cups and four AFCONS. Rijkaard was not an injury-prone player during his career, so, his early retirement was not because of injuries but most probably it was a personal decision. Today, he is still doing nicely, having a projected net worth of around $75 million. Major HonoursPremier League (x6), League Cup (x2), Community Shield (x4), Champions League, FIFA World Club Cup. Brad Friedel is oneof those goalkeepers who has gotten better and better with age. Mata was sold to Manchester United for 37.1 million in January 2014 after losing favor at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. Holdens career lasted only for 9 years between 2005 and 2014 during which he served four clubs including the English club, Bolton Wanderers. Your email address will not be published. Although Ashley is one of the Premier Leagues oldest players and is still very active, he may retire in 2023. In addition, in 2008, he received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year lifetime achievement award. Thomas Florie was captain of the USMNT in the first ever World Cup of 1930. His speed, positioning and tackling prowess continues to place him in the England squad above Leighton Baines, who couldn't be any unluckier. Hes among Asian footballers who have played in European leagues - he played for A.S. Roma and Fiorentina during his career - and is considered as one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time. His estimated net worth is $101.6 million, making him the eighth richest football player in the world. In a special series for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, I will be looking at the very best players from some of the . He is also known for his official role with UNICEF and charity work, as well as his sponsorships with major brands, earning him around $80-100 million. The only Asian footballer on the list of top footballers who retired too early, Hidetoshi Nakata - currently 45 - retired at the early age of 29 and just after a 11-year career which lasted from 1995 to 2006. Soccer players are widely held in the highest regard among athletes. The truth is he picked up injuries at the end of his service to West Ham United and was loaned to lower-tier clubs like. Millar coached the USMNT in the 1930 World Cup, and featured for nine different clubs during his playing career. He retired, as mentioned above, at the age of 27, due to the injuries he picked up while with Borussia Monchengladbach. Klinsmann is also the sixth highest World cup overall scorer with 11 goals and the third highest World Cup overall German scorer just behind his fellowmen. In the 1914-15 season, Millar scored 59 goals in 34 games for his team Bethlehem Steel. Some of the most famous former athletes who are generally believed to have been among the most successful are: Since leaving active management, Zola has ignited a flourishing career. He is considered to be the best goalkeeper in the history of soccer. The MLS All-Stars will face Arsenal on July 19 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. ESPN's top 10 male African footballers of 2021. He also joined Real Madrids coaching staff under former manager Jose Mourinho, where he currently serves as head manager. Fortunately, he could recover from his medical condition, though his heart had stopped beating for 78 minutes, but chose to take the medical advice not to continue his professional career. 10. Klinsmann retired at the age of 32 but there is no account of an injury or something alike being the cause of his early retirement. Aside from football, Drogba is known for his charity and philanthropy work. He contributes to the media on a regular basis, writes columns, and works as an analyst for various television channels. One of the brightest young talents in MLS right now, Facundo Torres was part of Uruguay's World Cup squad and will be around for many years to come. After undergoing several operations on his knee, finally in September 2010, his surgeon, Richard Steadman, announced that everything was ok with Hargreaves knee, but that actually wasnt the case as the Canadian footballer, who returned to pitch for Man Utd after 777 days out, failed just six minutes after the start of his first game after recovery and had to be sidelined again. This list of best retired soccer players could be longer as these footballers are just some of the names written in the history of the sport. His vision and passing ability helped Manchester United dominate the last two decades, and his famous blasts from outside the area often gave the keeper no chance. 1 of 21 These footballers have been key in Mexican football, thus they deserve special mention. Additionally, he played a brief role on the French rock band Dionysos album. Ronaldinho was recently imprisoned for using fake passports. After that, Zola agreed to a two-year deal with Watford. Beckham has had it all, from his millions of euros in endorsements to his status as a fashion icon.He is the most successful retired footballer of all time thanks to his notable charitable work, television appearances, and role as the global ambassador for Chinese football. It seems that It was actually the same injury that ended his career since he played not more than a season after that before he retired. Thanks for reading and be sure to check out Ranking The World's Top 20 Leagues After The EPL, La Liga and Serie A. In addition to all these accolades, Rio was one of the most expensive British players and the costliest defenders in the world when he signed a professional contract with Man United in 2002. It was actually the same injuries that finally imposed an early retirement on Collision in 2016 at the age of 28. The last of these injuries was in a game against. 50-41 . Throughout his career, and possibly now, he enjoyed an insanely high level of popularity. Football, also known as soccer or association football, is popular but has a potential link with dementia developing in retired players. De Rossi started his football career when he was just 8 years old at Ostia Mare, before moving to Roma where he spent 18 years, making 459 appearances and scoring 43 goals. The final name on the list of best retired soccer players is another Manchester United legend. Gerardo Tata Martino, Who is Eric Dier Wife? Bart McGhee 5 of 41 Bart McGhee is another. He remained so up until 2013 that his record was broken by Robin van Persie. He has won 138 caps and scored 46 goals along a career which has seen him play for Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Everton and Los Angeles Galaxy. Over the course of his nine seasons at United, he made 285 appearances and won the Community Shield, League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League. His goal-scoring prowess has also hushed the opinion of many critics at just the right time throughout his career. If this article was written a few years back, Frank Lampard would have been placed below Gerrard. He led the Italian U-21 team as coach from 2006 to 2008. Despite being a truly terrible manager for the Toon Army, Shearer is still the greatest English forward to grace the Premier League. Among all athletes, football players are perhaps the most adored. Last modified on March 7th, 2023 at 1:58 pm. Who is Inter Miami coach? He was well-liked for both his skills and his well-known headbutt against Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final. He appeared in a number of movies and television commercials. Even so, his 2012/13 season highlighted a man who has worked tirelessly to adapt his game alongside the presence of aging legs. Robert Millar was more known for his domestic success than that of the international variety. And it was after these two tournaments, actually in the middle of 2001, that Deschamps officially announced his retirement. He has 111 international caps and eight goals. The Ferdinand family is famous across English football, but no one stands taller than Rio. USSF did not begin tracking assists until the 1970s. 25 years old at the time of his retirement, Rory Allen is a 44-year-old retired English forward whose career lasted only for 7 years between 1995 and 2002 during which he served only three clubs: Tottenham Hotspur. The fashionable winger has it all: dashing good looks, a pop star wife and even the ability to kick a ball. Return to Richest Athletes Baseball Players Boxers. Among the top ten most successful retired soccer players is now Figo. Pope won 82 caps and scored eight goals during that time, and ended his club career with Real Salt Lake in the MLS. Now retired, Caligiuli finished his career at Los Angeles Galaxy, and was famous for scoring the goal that put USA into the 1990 World Cup. Ronaldo currently additionally holds the seventh spot in our rundown of the best 10 best resigned soccer players. Arsenal fans may label Ashley Cole as Judas, but the left-back has captured nine trophies since moving to Chelsea in 2006. The only Australian footballer on the list of. Zidane has frequently represented Real Madrid Veterans since retiring. 13. The same can be said for individuals such as Matt Le Tissier, Paul Gascoigne and John Barnes. After almost a year away, the Greatest Ever series is back!. The first passed footballer on the list of top footballers who retired too early, Adrian Doherty was a Dutch footballer whose career lasted, as you might not believe, only for 4 years between 1990 and 1994 before he turned 22. He later said in an interview with the German magazine, Der Spiegel, that the reason behind his early retirement had been that he hadnt wanted to stay in the endless competition which is a nature of professional football. There's no denying Terry has slowed down massively over the past year. Lalas was inducted to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006, and won 96 caps for the USMNT. Charlton was the first English football player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, known as Ronaldinho, is another one of the retired football legends. Juan Mata won the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup at Chelsea, where he was at his peak. All on premium Chrome! Willy Caballero, 41, spent the majority of his career playing for Elche and Mlaga in Spain. He had some individual achievements, too, like being named FIFA Player of the Year (Silver award), receiving the Ballon dOr (Silver award), and many more. We have on our list some top retired soccer players and also some other who, although may not be considered as top, they were at least talented and promising during their play times. As an incredible playmaker, it is about time Pirlo was recognised for how good he was. Considered as one of the best Dutch forwards of all time, Patrick Kluivert served the top La Liga club, Barcelona, for a major part of his 14 year-career which lasted from 1994 to 2008; actually for six years between 1998 and 2004 which comprises almost half of his career. A truly fantastic player, but has he missed the chance to become Premier League champion? , Chris Naumoff is a 26-year-old retired Australian winger who actually retired at the age of 21 after a 4-year career which spanned from 2012 to 2016. He also suffered several injuries to his knee during his short-lasted career which spanned 9 years from 2007 to 2016. Soccer players in Italy will be banned from wearing No. The American public's acceptance of the sport has finally allowed thenation to achieve better funding, coaching and airtime on major networksall of which has improved the quality of their national team. Speaking of achievements, his list of team and individual awards is pretty long, including four Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, two times African Player of the Year, and many more. Facundo Torres, 22, Winger, Orlando City. It might be interesting for you to know that Fabrice Muambas career is the shortest among the footballers already mentioned in this post: Only 7 years from 2005 to 2012. It seems he was partly fit after all those injuries but wasnt offered any contract from football clubs. The Cameroonian striker had a remarkable career spanning 27 years. Maurice Edu 4 of 41 Maurice Edu plays for Glasgow Rangers in the SPL as a central midfielder. The following article will trigger you. Retired at the early age of 27, Alvaro Dominguez is a retired Spanish defender who played only for two clubs during his 9-year career which lasted from 2007 to 2016: Atletico Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach. It should be mentioned here that before his retirement, Schurrle played in almost 300 matches in top-tier leagues of Germany, England, and Russia. Alex Hess, Marcus Alves, Alex Reid, Declan Warrington, Thore Haugstad, Michael Yokhin, Andrew Murray, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Jon Spurling last updated 9 November 2022 From Messi to Maradona, Cristiano. The former Blackburn Rovers forward could finish the ball from any angle, whether it be from a thunderbolt shot or pinpoint header. 2. Andres Iniesta established himself as one of the greatest soccer players of all time during his active playing years. But spending some quality time together on the football field doesnt just earn them love. Beckham is unquestionably deserving of a spot among the top ten retired soccer players in terms of success. Later, he also suffered knee problems due to which he had to stay out for whole 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Hes actually the second footballer on the list of top footballers who retired too early with a defensive role throughout his career. 4. All, however, share retiring early with some of them having retired at 32 or 31, and some other, as you might not believe, as arly as 20. During this time, he served two Australian clubs: and Sydney FC, but at the end of 2015-16 season the latter did not offer a new contract to him. It should be mentioned here that Andreas Laudrup is the younger son of the former celebrated Danish footballer, Michael Laudrup. The most successful retired soccer players are on this list. No doubt that a footballer with such a condition can never continue playing football professionally as was the case with Ryan Mason who had to announce his retirement in 2018. Freddy Adu is the youngest goalscorer in MLS history. She won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and a World Cup in 2015, earning the . McBride has an excellent international record of 96 caps and 30 goals to his name. Andres Iniesta (38 years old) After a long and successful career with Barcelona, Andres Iniesta signed with Vissel Kobe in Japan in 2018. In addition, Muller is an avid collector of Adidas gear. Major HonoursPremier League (x5), League Cup (x2), Community Shield (x3), Champions League, FIFA World Club Cup. Football (soccer) players are among the most popular athletes on the planet. 2022 - SportsUnfold. Best Soccer Player. Our authors merely link to the rightful owner. Francesco Totti Age retired: International football (2007): 30 years old Club football (2017): 40 years old Current age: 45 Current role: Sports agent Career: Fortitudo, Trastevere, Lodigiani, Roma (Youth), Roma (Seniors) 2022 - SportsUnfold. It could be his final contract as a player. Having played for Rangers, Sunderland, Manchester City and New York Red Bulls, Reyna can boast a wealth of experience. Ol' D. Becks is also one of England's most well-travelled players. Lee Bowyer (Fishing Lake Owner) Lee Bowyer is a somewhat recent retiree who played his last game in 2012. Even the last club he served, namely Bolton Wanderers, signed a new contract with him only as a reserve. Eric Cantona Eric Cantona looks on during the Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2018 match between England and The Rest of the World at Old Trafford on June 10, 2018, in Manchester, England. Throughout his career, this French football star scored 360 goals in 791 matches, most of which came during his time with the Gunners. Keller earned 101 caps during his career. Also retired at an early age of 25, Ruben De La Red is a 36-year-old Spanish footballer and a product of Real Madrid who played only for two clubs during his career: Real Madrid, as you might have guessed, and Getafe. As a player, he won three World Cups, the only player to have done so thus far. Scholes is the best English player from the most dominant English club across the last twenty years, can his spot at number one be argued? . Despite being one of the country's biggest ever stars, Rooney's career is defined by a combination of heroics and annoyances. Pique has undoubtedly entrenched himself in Europe, and was one of the best defenders in modern football with Puyol. Hes actually the first footballer to have scored at least three goals in three consecutive editions of World Cup, namely the 1990, 1994, and 1998 editions of the competition. Eddie Pope played for the American national side for almost 11 years, and became a mainstay of their defensiveline-up during that time. Allen injured his ankle in September 1999 just 24 minutes to the end of a match against Ipswich town which actually kept him out up until March 2000. Petit began life as a defender but ended up as a supremely effective deep-lying midfielder, breaking up play and passing incisively. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more. , he was again ruled out due to a sprained medial collateral ligament problem. Additionally, Cantona was appointed captain of the French beach football team. You could argue that the USWNT has more notable players than the USMNT at present, but both teams are certainly improving their status. His career is defined by match-winner performances for his boyhood club, whether it be via a long-ranged goal, neatly-placed penalty kick or physical display of endurance. 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Apart from being Englands youngest and leading goalscorer with 53 goals, Wayne Rooney is one of the best strikers of his generation. This could be David Silvas last football season. He also has 32 appearances for the USMNT. Platinis retirement came on in 1987 at the age of 32 both at club and international level as a result of what seemed like a personal decision. He announced his retirement from both club and international football in July 2006 saying: I will never again stand on the pitch as a professional player. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Cole is another player who often draws headlines away from the pitch, but his footballing ability is unquestionable. 10 Best Retired Soccer Players: When soccer players retire, their number is usually an honor bestowed upon them by their team/club. Additionally, Muller has a collection of Adidas clothing under his belt. It seems that the injuries he received after 2005 on were the main cause of his early retirement - he only made 13 appearances averagely in each three final seasons of his career. Thierry Henry supports a lot of charities and good causes and is a member of the UNICEF-FIFA squad. His willingness to bomb down the flanks appeared when attacking full-backs were far less popular and helped the Red Devils dominate the Premier League era. Paul Caligiuri is another Hall of Famer who has 110 caps and five goals for the USMNT. 10 Pel This former Brazilian soccer player is known as one of the best players who has ever existed. Thankfully, there are always new stars on the rise who might give these football legends and their achievements a run for their money. They fall in love again after spending precious time together on the soccer pitch. Finally he was forced to a very early retirement at the age of 20, however, he didnt quit football for ever as he has continued as a manager since 2016 and is currently Bayern Munichs manager having already won two club trophies, namely a Bundesliga title and a DFL Super Cup in 2021-22 season, with them. Of course, being married to the famous Posh Spice also did a lot to increase his popularity worldwide. credit : - bein sports. A Canadian footballer with a Welsh mother and an English father who could represent Canada, England, and Wales during his international career, though he only represented England and Wales, Owen Hargreaves retired at not a very early but an early age of 31 after a 13-year career which spanned from 1999 to 2012. He has held the position of coach at Bayern Munich ever since. Some players didn't quite make the cut. Kluivert retired in 2008 at the age of 32 with Lillie being the last club he served. David Beckham is an icon of English football. He had actually a bright future ahead of him and could turn into one of those top German footballers, however, several injuries that he endured during his short career including cruciate ligamentruptures plus depression - or maybe too many injuries caused that depression - prevented Deisler from continuing his professional career and lose the chance to realize his full potential. Dononvan is probably the best that the USMNT has ever had. All About Spanish Football, Complete New Zealand match schedule for the 2023 World Cup,, The importance of the mental game in professional sports, SS vs LKK Prediction: Who will prevail in the TNPL 2023, WWE set to end the notorious 5-year streak at Cash in the.
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