Last month former Real Madrid superstar Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football at the tender age of 31. The French defender was arguably the finest on the planet at the peak of his powers, helping Los Blancos claim four UEFA Champions League titles as well as leading France to the FIFA World Cup in 2018. However, following his move to Manchester United in 2021, injuries began to plague the former Lens youngster, spelling the beginning of the end.
Varane was limited to just 21 Premier League appearances last term, but he did return to help the Red Devils beat their cross-city rivals Manchester City to win the FA Cup final at Wembley back in May. That led many to believe he had plenty of gas left in the tank, with Cesc Fabregas managing to convince the 31-year-old to join his Como revolution in Serie A. The likes of Andrea Belotti, Sergi Roberto, and Alberto Moreno all headed to the picturesque town alongside Varanae, however, yet another injury blow would strike.
This time around, rather than opting to make yet another return, Varane decided to call it a day, saying in a state meant that “all good things come to an end.” But the legendary Frenchman wasn’t the only superstar who called it a day on their career earlier than expected within the last year. Here are four other icons that opted to do the same.
Toni Kroos
German midfield maestro Toni Kroos will be remembered as arguably the greatest midfielder in Real Madrid’s history. He was a teammate of the aforementioned Varane in three of those Champions League successes, before going on to add another two in 2022 and last season. Following the most recent triumph against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley back in June, the former Bayern Munich midfielder announced that he would not be renewing his contract in the Spanish capital nor penning a deal elsewhere, instead opting to retire at the age of 34 and still at the peak of his powers.
He helped Real Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double last term, before coming out of international retirement to help Germany win Euro 2024 on home turf. Despite promising initial performances, Die Mannschaft came unstuck against eventual champions Spain in the quarterfinals, losing out to Mikel MErino’s extra-time header. Despite that, Kroos still bows out as one of the finest playmakers to have ever laced up a pair of boots, and his 2014 World Cup triumph with his national team will forever be a moment etched in the history books.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara’s retirement announcement at the age of 34 following his departure from Liverpool came as a surprise to everybody. The gifted midfielder was considered the finest deep-lying midfielder on the planet just a couple of years ago, primarily thanks to technical prowess and creativity in the center of the park. However, like Varane before him, he also suffered from several injuries in recent campaigns that seriously affected his career at the top level.
The La Masia graduate was restricted to just one appearance last season after a plethora of injury difficulties which left the Reds no option but to opt against renewing his contract. Rather than seeking out another club, he too opted to walk away from the beautiful game. Throughout his career, Thiago has played for a who’s who of stellar clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and finally Liverpool. He helped the Bavarians claim the UEFA Champions League for the sixth time in 2020,
Despite his immense talent, injuries, particularly a hip surgery in 2023, severely limited his playing time in recent seasons. His final season at Liverpool saw him make only a solitary appearance, ultimately leading to his decision to step away from the game. In his retirement announcement, Thiago expressed gratitude for the experiences and success he enjoyed, leaving behind a legacy of elegance and artistry in midfield play.
Tom Rogic
Canberra, Australia isn’t renowned for providing sporting sensations, with dirt bike rider Harry Bink perhaps being the pick of them, winning two X Games bronze medals as well as lending the first-ever triple flip earlier this year. Remarkably, Bink has completed the first-ever triple flip in competition—a feat that showcases his extraordinary skill and daring. His journey began in the dirt tracks of Canberra, where he honed his craft before rising to international prominence.
Bink’s achievements in the X Games have made him a significant figure in the motocross community, earning him respect and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Meanwhile, Compatriot Tom Rogic may not be as widely recognized, but the Socceroos star’s retirement last October at the age of 30 was perhaps the biggest shock of all.
The former Australian international stunned fans with his decision to retire at the young age of 30, opting to focus on his growing family. The midfielder spent the majority of his career at Celtic, where he won multiple Scottish Premiership titles. However, he cited personal reasons for his early retirement. Rogic had joined West Brom in 2022 but after the Baggies chose not to renew his contract, the Canberra-born star chose to retire and prioritize his family life after overcoming challenges with fertility treatments.
Rogic’s heartfelt announcement revealed the struggles he faced off the pitch and the joy of expecting twins after years of trying. He will go down as one of Australian football’s greatest exports, after having led the Socceroos to three World Cups.