These great footballers announced their retirement this season

These footballing geniuses announced retirement this season

1] Dirk Kuyt

The Netherlands international has had nothing short of a bright and successful career. Starring for many teams like Liverpool, AFC Ajax, Fenerbahce and his boyhood club, Feyenoord. His career reached the highest when he reached the Champions League final in 2007, eventually losing to AC Milan.
An evergreen legend, Dirk will surely be missed!

2] Ricardo Kaka

Famously remembered as winning the last Ballon d'Or before Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi winning it for 10 years straight, this Brazilian legend was always admired by everyone as a footballing wizard. He is regarded as one of the most intelligent footballers ever to grace the pitch. Kaka's long list of achievements include a World Cup, Champions League, a La Liga title, a Serie A title, 2 Confederation Cups, a Ballon d'Or and many more. And who will forget THAT goal he scored against Manchester United?

3] Frank Lampard

The Chelsea and England great announced retirement after a short stint with New York City FC. Lampard is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation by many, and was renowned for his goal scoring records. His last minute goal was responsible for sending Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League Final, where they defeated Bayern Munich on penalties. His goal was infamously disallowed against Germany in the 2010 World Cup. His only regret was that he couldn't end his career with the club he loved the most- Chelsea FC.

4] Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is known as one of the best defensive midfielders of the game. Feared for his deadly long passing, Alonso dominated the midfield in Germany, England and Spain. He scored the equaliser goal against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final, which Liverpool won on penalties. Alonso will remain a genius who's shoes will be quite difficult to fill for a long time!

4] Phillip Lahm

Ah, how can we forget Philipp Lahm? Regarded as the best right back in the world, Lahm has guided Bayern Munich and the German national team to many victories. Lahm helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup. Coaching genius Pep Guardiola called Lahm as one of the most intelligent players he's ever worked with. Making a staggering 764 appearances in total, he's NEVER received a red card, quite a spectacular achievement for a defender. Announcing his retirement aged just 33, Lahm broke many hearts. Without a doubt, Lahm will go down in history as one of the greatest players of the game.

5] Andrea Pirlo

The Italian midfield maestro has had a long and illustrious career. He announced retirement after playing for MLS side New York City FC. Often called the orchestrator of the pitch, Pirlo has played with 3 Serie A giants and won top honors with 2 of them. His amazing talent played a big role in Italy's World Cup winning side in 2006. He famously quoted, "On the afternoon of July 9 2006, I spent the entire afternoon playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went out and won the World Cup". What a player!

6] Francesco Totti

The prodigal son of Rome, Francesco Totti was regarded as the perfect No.10,a playmaker who could score goals as well as create them. Rejecting many big money moves from teams like Real Madrid, Totti remained loyal to Roma for 25 years. He won the World Cup with Italy in 2006. While his trophy haul with Rome cannot be called a great one, he remains Roma's top goalscorer, and had quite an emotional retirement in 2016.


Well, this was quite an emotional year for many football fans! Who did we miss out? Leave your opinion in the comments below!