Great footballers set to retire at the end of the 2024/25 season

 

As always, careers begin and end. This season marks the farewell for several legendary players. 

Here’s a look at those hanging up their boots in 2025.

Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld returned to Belgium to captain his boyhood club, Royal Antwerp, intending to retire on May 25, as reported by the Daily Mail. A quad injury, however, cut his final season short.

An underappreciated talent, the versatile Belgian defender was pivotal in Tottenham’s near-Champions League success, earned 127 caps for Belgium, and won three Eredivisie titles, La Liga with Atlético Madrid, and a Belgian Pro League title.

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Jan Vertonghen

Alongside Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen has retired from professional football. Returning to Belgium, he spent his final three seasons with Anderlecht. In an emotional farewell, his daughter raised the substitution board signaling his last moments on the pitch.

Vertonghen and Alderweireld were pivotal during Tottenham’s strong Premier League era. Though they didn’t win silverware, both Belgian defenders will be cherished by fans of club and country for their outstanding careers and commitment to the game.

Marcelo

Real Madrid icon Marcelo retired earlier this year, sharing the news through a heartfelt social media video. The Brazilian, celebrated for his five Champions League titles and six La Liga triumphs, is regarded as one of football’s all-time greats. His absence from the game will be deeply felt.

Felipe Melo

Marcelo’s teammate at Fluminense, Felipe Melo has retired from football. Less familiar to European football fans due to his frequent moves, Melo’s career, which began in 2001, remains significant for his contributions to the sport.

Simon Kjaer

Among Denmark’s finest footballers, Simon Kjaer will retire this season. With 132 international caps, he played for top clubs like Roma, Sevilla, and AC Milan. His most defining moment came at Euro 2020, when he heroically saved Christian Eriksen’s life after his collapse.