Farewell to the field: 2025’s most notable football retirements
As a new generation of football stars begins to shine, several well-known players have decided to hang up their shoes and retire. Whether they were known for their leadership, technical skills, or iconic moments on the field, these names will always be remembered in football history. Look at some of the most notable footballers who retired in 2025.
Marcelo
Brazilian football star Marcelo retired in February 2025 at the age of 36. He is known for his time with Real Madrid, where he played for 15 seasons. He made 546 appearances and helped his team win 25 trophies, a feat that the club appreciated. Despite being a popular Madrid star, he is also well-known for his time in the Brazilian national team, where they won a Confederations Cup in 2013.
He left Real Madrid in 2022 and played for Greece’s Olympiacos for a short time, but then he returned to Brazil as a member of Fluminense. In 2023, he earned a Copa Libertadores award before leaving the team by mutual consent in November.
Pepe Reina
Just when people thought he wouldn’t retire anytime soon, the Spanish goalkeeper finally hung up the gloves in May 2025 at the age of 42. The legendary goalie has played for many top clubs such as Liverpool, Napoli, Bayern Munich, and Villareal.
He is best known for his time with Liverpool, where he helped secure multiple trophies and received the Premier League Golden Glove award for three consecutive years. In his earlier years, he also played for Spain during the Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup.
He received a warm farewell after his final match with Como in Italy. He plans to become a coach and work with Villarreal’s youth team.
Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana, the former Liverpool and England attacking midfielder, retired from professional football at the age of 37. He began and ended his career at Southampton, and played also for Brighton and Liverpool.
He is also known for his time with Liverpool, where he won the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. During his days, he also helped Southampton (his original team) to reach the top of their game.
When he finally decided to retire, Lallana announced it via an emotional message online, expressing his pride and appreciation for his career. Right after his announcement, he became a first-team coach at Southampton under manager Will Still and is now a part of the coaching staff.
Simon Kjær
Former Denmark national team captain, Simon Kjær, retired in 2025 after playing for AC Milan. He was a strong and reliable centre-back with a long career in top leagues across Europe, including Italy, Germany, and Spain.
He became widely respected for his leadership on the field and especially for his bravery and quick thinking during the Euro 2020 incident, when he helped teammate Christian Eriksen, who was suffering from cardiac arrest. Kjær will be remembered not just for his football, but also for his character.
Toby Alderweireld
Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld called time on his football career in 2025 after almost 20 years in the field. He played for some of the biggest clubs in the industry, including Ajax, Atlético Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur, where he was known for his defensive skills and impressive field techniques. At Spurs, he formed a strong partnership with Jan Vertonghen, and together, they became a key part of the team’s back line.
In 2022, he returned to his hometown club Royal Antwerp and made history by scoring a last-minute goal that won them their first Belgian Pro League title in 66 years. After one more season, he decided to hang up his boots. With over 120 appearances for Belgium, Alderweireld leaves behind a career full of big moments and solid performances.
Felipe Melo
Brazilian Felipe Melo, known for his gritty and fearless midfield play, officially retired on January 24, 2025, at the age of 41, after a long career spanning Brazil and Europe. He played for top clubs including Juventus, Inter Milan, and Galatasaray, where he earned the nickname ‘Pitbull’ for his aggressive style, winning several league titles in Turkey.
He returned to Brazil later in his career, playing for Palmeiras and then Fluminense, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2023. Melo wasn’t shy about retirement plans because he had already mentioned wanting one final run at the new Club World Cup before his contract ended in December 2024. He leaves a legacy of tough tackling, leadership, and a trophy‑filled career that included 22 caps for Brazil and multiple domestic and international honours.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans hung up his boots in June 2025, wrapping up a 19‑year playing career that saw him make 241 appearances for Manchester United, win three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups, and the FA Cup win at Leicester City in 2021.
Right after the announcement, Evans moved into a new role at Manchester United, becoming the Head of Loans and Pathways. With this new career, he'll work with the academy and director of football to guide young players into first-team football. He expressed gratitude to fans, teammates, and club staff, looking forward to shaping the next generation of talent in a proud transition from player to mentor.
Appreciating the legacy of these football icons
They may have retired from the field, but their history and legacy will forever be etched in the football world. From impressive feats such as Golden Glove awards to being remembered as a saviour of their teammate suffering from a life-threatening situation, Marcelo, Pepe Reina, Adam Lallana, Simon Kjær, Toby Alderweireld, Felipe Melo, and Jonny Evans will always be football legends at heart.
