Giorgio Chiellini, the iconic Italian defender, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39. The announcement came on December 12, 2023, marking the end of a remarkable 22-year career that saw him leave an indelible mark on the sport. Chiellini’s retirement has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting reflections on his illustrious career and speculation about his future endeavors.
| Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Giorgio Chiellini |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Age at Retirement | 39 |
| Retirement Announcement Date | December 12, 2023 |
| Last Club | Los Angeles FC |
| Previous Club | Juventus |
| Career Length | 22 years |
| Retirement Statement | “The most beautiful and intense journey of my life.” |
| Last Professional Match | MLS Cup final for Los Angeles FC against Columbus Crew (Result: 2-1, defeat) |
| International Appearances | 117 for Italy |
| Euro 2020 Achievement | Captained Italy to the title, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley |
| Juventus Career | – 561 games, becoming the third player with most appearances for Juventus |
| – Nine consecutive Serie A titles, five Coppa Italia trophies, and five domestic Supercups | |
| – Champions League runner-up twice |
One of the most recent and memorable moments involving Giorgio Chiellini is the controversial incident during the UEFA Euro 2020 final. In the highly anticipated match between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium, Chiellini gained attention for his savvy and somewhat contentious defensive move. In the dying moments of the regular time, with the score level at 1-1, Chiellini was seen pulling the shirt of young English forward Bukayo Saka inside the penalty area. The incident, often described as a calculated and experienced move by Chiellini, drew heated discussions on the field and among football enthusiasts worldwide. This event not only showcased Chiellini’s tactical acumen but also fueled debates on the thin line between gamesmanship and foul play in high-stakes matches.
The football world bid farewell to several iconic players in 2023, making it a year of notable retirements. Alongside Giorgio Chiellini, other football stalwarts decided to hang up their boots, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Notable retirements in 2023 include:
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Age | Retirement Date | Last Club | Highlights and Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giorgio Chiellini | Italian | 39 | December 12, 2023 | Los Angeles FC | Key figure in Juventus for 17 years, nine consecutive Serie A titles, and Euro 2021 victory with Italy. |
| 2 | Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Swedish | 41 | 2023 | AC Milan | Concluded the 2022-23 season with AC Milan, known for prolific goal-scoring and charismatic personality. |
| 3 | Mesut Ozil | German | 35 | March 2023 | Basaksehir FK | Announced club career retirement while with Turkish Super Lig side Basaksehir FK, renowned playmaker. |
| 4 | Gareth Bale | Welsh | 34 | January 2023 | Los Angeles FC | Known for inspiring goals, including a bicycle kick in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final. |
| 5 | Gianluigi Buffon | Italian | 45 | October 2023 | Parma Calcio | Italian goalkeeper legend, long tenure with Juventus, multiple Serie A titles, and 2006 World Cup winner. |
| 6 | Cesc Fabregas | Spanish | 36 | July 2023 | Como 1907 | Retired from Serie B side Como 1907 despite having two more years in his contract. |
| 7 | Diego Godin | Uruguayan | 37 | July 2023 | Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield | A rock at the back for Atletico Madrid, lifted three UEFA Super Cup and two UEFA Europa League titles. |
| 8 | Emmanuel Adebayor | Togolese | 39 | March 2023 | AC Semassi FC | Ended his career playing for AC Semassi FC in Togo, known for playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. |
| 9 | David Silva | Spanish | 37 | July 2023 | Real Sociedad | ‘Merlin’ or ‘El Mago,’ retired after a thrilling career with Manchester City and Spain. |
The retirement of Giorgio Chiellini marks the end of an era. His leadership on the pitch and defensive prowess were crucial to Juventus’ dominance in Serie A. His influence extended beyond club football, as he captained Italy to a historic Euro 2020 victory.
Giorgio Chiellini’s retirement signifies the conclusion of a storied career that spans over two decades. Contributors unanimously acknowledge his leadership, defensive prowess, and significant contributions to both Juventus and the Italian national team. The statistics reveal a player who not only achieved domestic success but also played a pivotal role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
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