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The soccer stars who retired in 2023: Bale, Buffon, Hazard...

Several stars decided to retire from the game in 2023 after long and successful careers.

Sergio MancillaSergioMaos
Kieran Quailekquaile90
México
(FILES) A picture taken on July 14, 2018 at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg during Russia 2018 World Cup play-off for third place football match between Belgium and England shows Belgium's forward Eden Hazard celebrating after scoring a goal. Belgian attacking midfielder Eden Hazard announced his retirement on October 10, 2023 after failing to find another club following his release by Real Madrid. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS
GIUSEPPE CACACEAFP

As 2023 draws to a close, we take a look at some of the players who retired over the last 12 months. Gianluigi Buffon, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fàbregas, Zlatan Ibrahimovic were among those who decided to finish their respective soccer careers.

Buffon - at the age of 45 - announced his retirement on 2 August. During a hugely successful career, he won 29 titles, including a World Cup and 11 league titles.

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Diario AS

Hazard hangs boots up

Another player who retired was his compatriot Giorgio Chiellini, who finished his career with LAFC. Eden Hazard left Real Madrid after a disappointing spell, opting to end his career at the age of 32.

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PAUL ELLISAFP

Players who retired in 2023

  • Gareth Bale | LAFC
  • Mesut Ozil | Basaksehir
  • Joaquín | Betis
  • Cesc Fàbregas | Como
  • Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Milan
  • David Silva | Real Sociedad
  • Diego Godín | Velez
  • Gianluigi Buffon | Parma
  • Eden Hazard | Real Madrid
  • Jeremy Mathieu | Luynes
  • Fabio Quagliarella | Sampdoria
  • Filipe Luis | Flamengo
  • Giorgio Chiellini | LAFC
  • Miguel Layún | América
  • Rubens Sambueza | Deportivo Maipú