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The year 2023 saw the retirement of several legendary footballers, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
The year 2023 saw the retirement of several legendary footballers, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Here is an overview of these football greats, including their age at retirement:
Gianluigi Buffon (Age 45)
Gianluigi Buffon, the iconic Italian goalkeeper, ended his nearly three-decade-long career in August 2023. Celebrated as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, he represented clubs like Parma, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, and won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Age 41)
The Swedish striker, known for his confidence and acrobatic goals, retired after a career that spanned over two decades. Ibrahimovic played for clubs like Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, PSG, Manchester United, and AC Milan, winning numerous trophies and scoring over 570 career goals.
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Cesc Fabregas (Age 36)
Cesc Fabregas, the Spanish midfield maestro, retired in June 2023. His career spanned across Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco, and Como. Fabregas was known for his exceptional playmaking skills and was pivotal in Spain's 2010 World Cup victory.
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Gareth Bale (Age 33)
The Welsh winger, renowned for his speed and skill, retired in January 2023. Bale had a significant impact at Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles. His career also included a successful spell at Tottenham Hotspur.
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David Silva (Age 37)
David Silva, the Spanish playmaker, was forced into retirement due to a knee injury. Known for his creativity and control, Silva played a key role in Manchester City's success, winning four Premier League titles. He also had a stint at Real Sociedad.
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Mesut Ozil (Age 34)
The German playmaker, known for his vision and elegance on the ball, retired in March 2023. Ozil played for Schalke, Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, and Arsenal. He was part of the German squad that won the World Cup in 2014 and won four FA Cups with Arsenal.
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Eden Hazard (Age 32)
Belgian forward Eden Hazard retired in October 2023. Known for his dribbling and playmaking abilities, Hazard had his most successful stint at Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid. He scored 126 goals in 459 club appearances, including two Champions League titles.
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Theo Walcott (Age 34)
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The English winger retired in August 2023. Walcott is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup three times. He also played for Southampton and Everton, scoring 129 goals in 560
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