César Azpilicueta closes the curtain on a career filled with trophies... but is headed to World Cup 2026
After a trophy-laden career with Spain, Chelsea and Sevilla, the veteran defender is preparing for a new role at the World Cup.
César Azpilicueta has announced his retirement from professional soccer after one final season with Sevilla. The 36-year-old defender from Navarre won 44 caps for Spain, scoring one goal. He played in two World Cups and one European Championship with La Roja.
Azpilicueta ends his career after coming through the ranks at Tajonar and making his top-flight debut with Osasuna, the club that later became the springboard for a career packed with success. Marseille signed him in 2010 for $7.6 million. Two seasons with the French side earned him the biggest move of his life.
From there, he joined Chelsea, where he played from 2012 to 2023 across 12 seasons. He became captain and made more than 500 official appearances. With the London club, he won one Champions League, two Premier League titles, one Europa League, one League Cup, one FA Cup, one Club World Cup and one continental Super Cup.
At this coming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, he will work as a commentator for the BBC. Alongside him will be former players including Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Rachel Corsie, Olivier Giroud, Joe Hart, McCarthy and Lucas Leiva, as well as Danish coach Thomas Frank.
Dear football,
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) May 22, 2026
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I… pic.twitter.com/2wJ1m06Bqu
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment