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Ibrahimovic and Joaquin both called time on their long career following the completion of the 2022/2023 season in Europe’s top five leagues.
Former Super Eagles star Bartholomew Ogbeche is one of just the three players who played at the Korea/Japan World Cup in 2002 playing professional football currently.
Before today, Ogbeche was one of five players from the competition 21 years ago playing active professional football.
Ibrahimovic and Joaquin retire from pro football
However, that number was reduced to three on Sunday night after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Joaquin retired.
Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from professional football after AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Hellas Verona on the final day of the 2022/2023 Serie A season.
The Sweden legend was celebrated at San Siro following the end of the match, with the celebration bringing him to tears.
Meanwhile, Joaquin also called time on his career following Real Betis’ 1-1 draw against Valencia on the final day of LaLiga season.
It was a befitting way to end for the Spaniard as he also played for Valencia during his long career.
Both Ibrahimovic and Joaquin played at the 2002 World Cup, representing Sweden and Spain, respectively.
Ogbeche in a special group of three alongside Buffon and Santa Cruz
However, following their retirement, only three players who played in the competition are still active today.
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06:30 - 05.06.2023
WATCH: Zlatan Ibrahimovic in tears as he says emotional goodbye to football and AC Milan
AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic was in tears as he said goodbye to football, announcing his retirement after 24 years at the top
Ogbeche is one of those players, alongside Gianluigi Buffon and Roque Santa Cruz. The former Paris Saint-Germain was in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the tournament, playing all but one of the Super Eagles’ three games.
Although Ogbeche has since called time on his international career, he still plays clubs football in the Indian Super League with Hyderabad FC.
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11:03 - 05.06.2023
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 10 remarkable goals scored by the 'demigod' of football (VIDEO)
Taking a trip down memory lane to look at 10 of the best goal scored by the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The former Super Eagles star is not slowing down after scoring 15 goals and setting up another two in 27 games for the club.
Meanwhile, Buffon and Santa Cruz, who both represented Italy and Paraguay in 2002 are also going strong with Parma and Club Libertad, respectively.
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