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 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

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

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.