The 2026 retirees list expands as Pedro closes the chapter

Pedro is the last player to hang up his boots in 2026, marking the end of a season of farewells. The list of players who have retired this year is becoming increasingly prestigious, including veterans of every position.

Goalkeepers retiring in 2026

Among goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski, born in 1985 in Poland, ends his adventure. Also Craig Gordon (1982, Scotland) and Guillermo Ochoa (1985, Mexico) hang up their boots, as does Sergio Romero, defender of Argentina, and Kasper Schmeichel, Danish veteran.

The defensive department sees the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, class of 1989 from Spain, and Mauricio Isla, born in 1988 in Chile. Inigo Lekue (1993, Spain) and Nicolas Nkoulou (1990, Cameroon) add to the list, together with Mamadou Sakho, defender of France, and the experienced Ashley Young, former Englishman.

Giacomo Bonaventura, class of 1989, is the last Italian midfielder to retire, closing a career studded with titles.

Among the forwards, Diego Costa (1988, Spain) and Ciro Immobile (1991, Italy) announce their farewell, as does Pedro, born in 1987 in Spain. Also Suso, Divock Origi and Lukas Podolski, the latter born in Germany, hang up their boots, while Fabio Borini ends his career in Italy.

The contrast between the honor of a long career and the growing prestige of the retirees' list highlights a generational shift in world football, making way for new promises.