At some point, you have probably found yourself watching a football game, and you see a player, and you just wonder. European Football Players that Might be Announcing their Retirement at the end of this season in 2022.
‘Is this guy still playing?’
Yes, many players have been gracing our views for a very long time, decades. It is just how beautiful the game of football is; it is somewhat difficult to stop when you’ve reached a certain level and when your body still agrees.
This is not going to be forever, sadly. Some of our favorite players who have given us irreplaceable moments in football will have to hang up their boots at some point. Others sooner rather than later. So, if you’re a big fan of football and you’ve been that way for a long time, you probably still check in on all the living (and active) legends in football. A recent article by Vwin99, a Vietnamese sports betting platform, spills the juice on players currently thriving on extended time. You’d be right on the money to check out that article and all the games Twin has to offer.
For your entertainment and nostalgia, here’s a list of some greats that are rumored to be retiring after the 2022 season.
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan is, without a doubt, one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He made his senior debut in Malmö as far back as 1999; Zlatan has gone on to play for eight different clubs, making his mark at every club he goes to. The 40-year-old is one of the few players who can boldly say he has seen it all. With a current goal tally of 570, the Swedish international might just be ready to move on to the next thing. Zlatan is currently seeing less football time due to fatigue and injury; in his case, the mind is willing, but his body might just have had enough.
Pepe
Pepe is arguably the pioneer of the modern center back. His face and name have been a constant on the big stages for two decades now. The Portuguese center-back spent most of his career with Spanish giants Real Madrid, but now represents Portuguese big boys Porto. Despite rumors of him retiring every other year, the 38-year-old remains a strong presence in both club and country. Pepe has often said he would like to retire at Madrid, but it seems unlikely now, as he might just hang up his boots after this season or after the World Cup if Portugal makes it past the playoffs.
Diego Godin
Much like the two aforementioned, Diego Godin is one of the strongest football characters in the past 20 years. There is never a lack of passion and quality whenever this man is on a football pitch. He played in over 250 matches for Atletico Madrid and left a legend there. Above his club success was his success with the golden age of the Uruguayan National team. Godin has played in three World Cups and has made his mark. The 35-year-old has seen a drop in playing time and goal contributions, which influenced his move to Atletico Mineirão in the winter. Rumors are that this might be his last spell as a footballer. Godin’s move-on should be quite soon.
Luka Modric
Watching Modric at this stage in his career would make you question many things. Luka Modric recently turned 36 years old and still plays like a 26-year-old. It is almost impossible to believe that he might be retiring after this season, despite still having good playing time with Madrid. However, rumors are that the Croatian is seriously considering stepping away from the big stage and focusing on other things. It makes sense now why Real Madrid is in the market for midfielders. Luka Modric deserves every respect earned; he won the Ballon d’Or and four Champions League trophies. If he does retire, he will be greatly missed.
Conclusion
These players are already legends. Every minute or kick or assist, or goal we get from any of them is simply poetry in motion.
