Calling it a day
Toby Alderweireld
Jan Vertonghen
A rock at the back
Felipe Melo
Simon Kjaer
Could this be the end?
Sergio Ramos
Luis Suárez

Calling it a day

As ever, careers come and go. This year is no different, with a number of legendary players calling it quits. Let's take a look at who is ending their career this year.

Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld returned to his home country of Belgium to finish his career, captaining his boyhood club, Royal Antwerp. His retirement was set for the end of the season, with a planned date set for the 25h May, per the Daily Mail. Unfortunately, a quad injury forced his season to end early.

Jan Vertonghen

Toby Alderweireld’s partner in crime, Jan Vertonghen, has also made the decision to call it a day on his career. Vertonghen also returned to his native Belgium to end his career, plying his trade for Anderlecht during his final three seasons. In a touching moment, it was his daughter who held aloft the substitution board announcing his final moments on a professional football pitch.

A rock at the back

Verthongen and Alderweireld were two of the most important players during one of Tottenham’s best spells in the Premier League. Whilst it never culminated in a trophy, both Belgian defenders will be remembered fondly by fans of both club and country for their excellent careers and dedication to their sport.

Marcelo

Real Madrid legend, Marcelo, hung up his boots earlier this year, announcing his decision via a video on social media. The Brazilian won an extraordinary five Champions League medals, as well as La Liga six times. He is considered one of the true greats of the game, and his presence will be missed.

Felipe Melo

Marcelo’s teammate at Fluminense, Felipe Melo has also called time on his career. Melo may be less well known to fans of European football than some on this list, due to never settling at one team for very long. Still, his services to football are noteworthy, having started his career back in 2001.

Simon Kjaer

One of the best Danish footballers of his generation, Simon Kjaer is set to retire at the end of the season. The 132-cap international has had stints at many European giants, including Roma, Sevilla, and most notably, AC Milan. Perhaps most importantly of all, was his response to Christian Eriksen’s collapse at Euro 2020, where he saved his teammate’s life.

Could this be the end?

There will be plenty more players who decide to hang up their boots before this year is over, so let’s take a look at those players we think could be lacing them up for the final time in 2025.

Sergio Ramos

Aged 39, Sergio Ramos has already told reporters he “wants to play for another 1 or 2 years,” earlier this year, per Yahoo Sports. Could this be the last time we see the Real Madrid and Spain legend on the pitch? If so, we tip our cap to one of the finest centre-backs to ever grace the sport.

Luis Suárez

Luis Suárez is still banging in the goals even aged 38, so we wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to stick around a little longer. Still, he’s getting long in the tooth, and could well decide to call it a day at the culmination of the MLS season.