SPORTS

5 Football Greats Who Retired Early From The Game

Published

6 years ago

March 5, 2019

Several players such as Florent Malouda, Drogba, Lucio and the likes are still playing playing inside their 40s. But it is not just the physical fitness that drives them to play their game well, it is the passion that they carry for the sport, something that keeps the flame burning, and keeps them going even when the sport is evolving to a more fashionable manner.

However, there are some others who have decided to hang their boots even when they were still at their prime.

Here are the top 5 world class footballers who retired early.

Zinedine Zidane – 34 years

We all know what happened at the 2006 World Cup final, but that one match aside, Zidane had a splendid career. Be it in terms of the beautiful goal scored in the 2002 Champions League finals, or in the 1998 world cup where he outsmarted each and every footballer there was, Zidane has left behind a career that not all of us will forget.

In addition, his tenure with Real Madrid as their manager has made him one of the top-class coaches in the sport, as with 3 Champions League titles in a row, he justifies his credibility.

As mentioned earlier, the 2006 FIFA World Cup completely changed his life, as he announced his retirement at the age of 34, even though he had the capability of playing for a lot longer.

Didier Deschamps – 32 years

Didier Deschamps led his team to the 1998 FIFA world cup trophy. Something that was extremely unbelievable from the French side. But the midfielder went on to do something completely unpredictable three years later, announcing his retirement in 2001 at the age of 32. For some, the reason was due to injuries. But others believe it was the mere fact that he had already made up his mind. Deschamps remains the only man to win the world cup as a player and as a coach.

Marco van Basten – 31 years

van Basten retired due to an ankle injury

van Basten was one of the most fierce strikers of his generation as his tenure with both Ajax and AC Milan earned him more than 300 goals in his career. The 3 time Ballon d’Or winner was known for his aerial abilities, his ability to score from any position and the fact that his leadership qualities were quite unparalleled.

However, van Basten was struck with a career-threatening ankle injury at the age of 28, something he ignored for a while. But by the time he was 31, the injury grew into a tragedy, and the Dutch legend was forced to retire.

Eric Cantona – 30 years

Eric Cantona

One of the dirtiest players in the history, Cantona’s career was filled with spats, suspensions, and bans! But his style of play has inspired many to play football at a higher level. Surprisingly, the Manchester United legend said his passion for the game made him retire from it. Thus, in 1997, he retired at the age of 30.

Jamie Carragher – 29 years

Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League

Carragher spent over 17 years playing for Liverpool and is labeled to be one of the ‘one club men’ in football, with over 750 appearances for Liverpool. A feared defender, Jamie Carragher won the UEFA Champions League back in 2005, doing something fans refer to as the ‘Istanbul Miracle’, where Liverpool defeated AC Milan in an unexpected manner.

However, his International career wasn’t something to brag about, as with only a few caps for his team, Carragher announced his retirement from International football at the age of 29 back in 2007. He did, however, come out of his retirement temporarily, and won his 38th cap for England.

Related Topics:5 Football Greats Who Retired Early From The Game Football Greats Who Retired Early From The Game

Up Next

See The Top 5 Player-Coach Bust-Up In Recent History

Don't Miss

5 Heart Touching Things Football Stars Did That Made The World Smile

SPORTS

John McEnroe Says He Can Be The Commissioner Tennis Needs Amid Doping Crisis

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

John McEnroe says he can be commissioner tennis needs | fab.ng

Recent doping controversies involving top players have not damaged tennis’s reputation, but John McEnroe believes that appointing a single commissioner for the sport would significantly enhance the clarity and transparency surrounding doping cases.

Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner failed two drug tests in March for trace amounts of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol, but an independent tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing by accepting his explanation of unintentional contamination.

Women’s world number two Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban in November after testing positive for the hormone and metabolic modulator trimetazidine, which she attributed to contamination of her sleep medication.

The ITIA, responsible for managing tennis’s anti-doping program, stated that both cases involved “inadvertent breaches of the rules.”

“I don’t think it has done any damage because if you look, it’s way worse in the other sports,”McEnroe, a former world number one turned ESPN broadcaster, told reporters ahead of the Australian Open.

“In my opinion, tennis is cleaner than any other sport. Now that doesn’t mean there are not issues.”

John McEnroe emphasised that the confusion surrounding the timing of information release significantly exacerbates the situation.

The confusion is such as the delayed public disclosure of Sinner’s positive test at the Indian Wells tournament in March until just before the US Open in August.

“That part I really don’t like,”he said.

Rennae Stubbs, a former player, current coach, and ESPN commentator, stated that players undergo frequent testing.

She further emphasised that a commissioner could play a vital role in enhancing transparency when a positive test occurs, particularly when a player’s reputation is at stake.

“We need a commissioner of tennis that actually gets out there and speaks on behalf of players to defend or not defend them,” she said.

“The bottom line is we have no one talking for them.”

McEnroe revealed that he has long advocated for the appointment of a commissioner and expressed his readiness and willingness to assume this role.

“If I wasn’t the commissioner, there still should be a commissioner,” he said.

“It doesn’t look like it’s ever going to happen because people are too busy, these tournaments protect their own interests. They care about themselves, they don’t care enough about the sport.

“So it’s too bad. But nonetheless, if it’s not me, it should be someone else. We’ll see if it happens in the next 10 years.”

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Taiwo Awoniyi’s First Goal Of The Season Seals Nottingham Forest’s Win Over Wolves

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2025

Reporter

Taiwo Awoniyi’s Goal Lifts Nottingham Forest Past Wolves | fab.ng

Taiwo Awoniyi made a triumphant return to Premier League action. He scored in stoppage time to help Nottingham Forest crush Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Monday evening.

The Super Eagles striker completed his dramatic comeback from injury, finding the net for the first time in the 2024/25 season, precisely 324 days after a devastating setback had forced him to watch from the sidelines.

Forest manager Steve Cooper introduced Awoniyi in the 88th minute, and the Nigerian international seized his opportunity with both hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White orchestrated the decisive moment, threading a precise pass through Wolves’ defensive line.

Awoniyi, demonstrating his predatory instincts, latched onto the ball and dispatched it into the net with clinical precision, sending the City Ground into rapturous celebration.

The emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed Taiwo Awoniyi as he sank to his knees after scoring.

He reached for his shin pads, which carried a deeply personal message – the Bible verse James 1:17.

The passage reads, “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” and pressed them against his face in a poignant display of gratitude and relief.

This victory carried significant implications for Nottingham Forest’s remarkable 2024/25 campaign. The team has now strung together an impressive sequence of six consecutive Premier League victories.

This cemented their position in third place on the table. Forest’s 40-point tally matches Arsenal’s in second position. Meanwhile, Liverpool maintains a six-point advantage at the summit with a game still in hand.

Awoniyi’s goal served as the perfect exclamation point on Forest’s commanding performance, underlining their transformation into genuine title contenders.

The striker’s emotional celebration resonated throughout the stadium. Furthermore, it marks not just a personal milestone in his recovery journey but also symbolises Forest’s remarkable ascent into English football’s top flight.

Don’t miss the inspiring photos of his celebration! Watch the goal video below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Awoniyi Taiwo (@awoniyi18)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nottingham Forest (@officialnffc)

Check here for more sports updates.

SPORTS

NBA Roundup: Giannis Triple-Double Leads Milwaukee Bucks To Win Over Toronto Raptors

Published

1 week ago

January 7, 2025

Reporter

NBA roundup: Giannis triple-double leads Milwaukee Bucks | fab.ng

Giannis Antetokounmpo (30) recorded his fourth triple-double of the season, contributing 11 points, 12 rebounds, and a season-high 13 assists.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard (34) scored 25 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a decisive 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Antetokounmpo’s exceptional passing, including 10 assists in the first half alone, ignited the Bucks’ offence and propelled them to victory, snapping a two-game losing streak.

The Bucks had recently faced a challenging period, losing four of their last five games, all against teams with losing records.

However, they convincingly overcame the struggling 8-28 Raptors, despite the absence of Khris Middleton due to an ankle injury.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers praised Antetokounmpo’s playmaking abilities, stating, “Giannis’ passing set the whole tone for our team.”

“When your best player does that, it becomes contagious and the ball just moved,” Rivers said.

Bloody good passing from Giannis.

13 AST | 12 REB | 11 PTS pic.twitter.com/6LGIFIIK6h

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 7, 2025

The only downside for the Bucks was a cut Antetokounmpo suffered on his right little finger when he hit the rim on a block attempt late in the first half.

Rivers said it required stitches to stop the bleeding, but Antetokounmpo wanted to stay in a game in which he and Lillard were both able to rest the entire fourth quarter anyway.

Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Chicago, scoring 35 points while also contributing 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Bulls staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter.

Coby White played a crucial role in the victory, scoring 23 points. He drove for a go-ahead layup and followed it up with a powerful dunk, giving the Bulls a 113-110 lead with 15.9 seconds remaining. LaVine then sealed the win with a free throw.

The Bulls successfully countered another impressive performance from San Antonio’s star rookie, Victor Wembanyama. He recorded 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and an astonishing eight blocked shots.

DRIVE HOME SAFELY. BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com/KSEoyyzCVs

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2025

In Detroit, Cade Cunningham orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Pistons.

They scored 32 points and dished out nine assists as they overcame an early 22-point deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-115.

Tim Hardaway Jr. ignited the Pistons’ fourth-quarter surge, scoring 11 of his 26 points during the final period. He drained back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Pistons a 109-106 lead with less than three minutes remaining.

The Trail Blazers mounted a late challenge, twice narrowing the deficit to just one point. Anfernee Simons’ three-pointer with 12 seconds left brought the score to 117-115.

However, Malik Beasley sealed the Pistons’ fourth consecutive win by making one of two free throws and securing a crucial steal.

Sealed the dub the Detroit way 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kGkHkHX1o5

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 7, 2025

The Phoenix Suns snapped a four-game losing streak with a 109-99 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.

Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to shake up the starting lineup by moving Bradley Beal to the bench proved successful. Beal ignited the Suns’ offence, scoring 25 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half.

The Suns trailed by as many as 12 points in the first quarter and entered halftime with a four-point deficit. However, their bench outscored the 76ers’ reserves by a significant margin, 54-7.

Good night, Suns fans! 😁 pic.twitter.com/U1TBskDLYf

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 7, 2025

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points and 10 assists. And Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds. The 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry due to injuries.

In New York, the injury-ravaged Orlando Magic upset the struggling Knicks 103-94.

Cole Anthony led the Magic with 24 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. provided a significant spark off the bench, scoring 19 points. The Magic remain without their top four scorers: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Moritz Wagner.

Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each scored 24 points for the Knicks. The Knicks suffered their third consecutive loss after a nine-game winning streak.

In Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. dominated. He scored 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Mavericks, missing key players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, dropped their fifth straight game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves snapped their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 108-106 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Anthony Edwards fuelled the comeback, scoring 37 points for the Timberwolves.

For more sports updates, check here.