Jordi Alba announced that he is to retire at the end of the season, bringing an end to a glittering career that saw the left-back win it all.
Many other legends have called time on their own careers in 2025, here are some of the most iconic.
Marcelo
A five-time Champions League winner and one of the greatest attacking left-backs of all time, Marcelo was a vital part of the Madrid team that dominated Europe.
After a brief spell with Olympiacos and a return to Brazil with Fluminense, he called time on his career in 2025.
Mats Hummels
The elegant centre-back leaves behind a legacy at both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and playing a key role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup Triumph.
Known for his composure and passing range, Hummels had his greatest impact at Dortmund across two permanent spells and a loan.
Jan Vertonghen
A cornerstone of Belgium’s golden generation, Vertonghen racked up over 150 caps for his country and had memorable spells at Ajax and Tottenham, where he formed a formidable partnership with Toby Alderweireld. Whilst his time at Spurs didn’t yield any silverware, the Belgians at the back are fondly remembered by Tottenham fans.
After seeing out his playing days at Anderlecht, he retired as Belgium’s most-capped player.
Toby Alderweireld
Vertonghen’s long-time partner in defence, Alderweireld enjoyed success at Ajax, Atlético Madrid and Spurs.
Renowned for his ball-playing ability and defensive positioning, he rounded off his career back home at Royal Antwerp, helping them to a historic league title in 2023. Earlier in his career, Alderweireld had been part of the Atlético Madrid squad that won La Liga in 2013/14.
Pepe Reina
One of the most charismatic players of a generation.
Reina played at the top for over two decades, starring for Liverpool, Napoli and Villarreal. During his early career, the Spaniard won Premier League Goalkeeper of the Season three times on the bounce in an era that featured some of the greatest goalkeepers of the 21st century, including Edwin van der Sar and Petr Čech in their peak.
Whilst Iker Casillas was the undisputed Spanish number 1, Reina was a key player in the national team dressing room and an able understudy when called upon.
Samuel Umtiti
Umtiti’s career was cut short by injuries, but at his peak he was among the elite.
A World Cup win in 2018 was the career highlight, as well as two La Liga titles with Barcelona.
After spells in Serie A and Ligue 1, persistent fitness issues led him to retire early in 2025.
Carlos Vela
The Mexican forward had a rather unique career path. Having failed to breakthrough at Arsenal and spending many years on loan, the permanent move to Real Sociedad proved successful before becoming the face of Los Angeles FC in the MLS.
His flair, finishing and playmaking made him one of the league’s all-time greats, winning the MVP award in 2019 after scoring 34 goals.
Jose Callejón
Callejón formed part of an iconic Napoli team that featured Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Marek Hamsik. It wasn’t a side that dominated domestically, but they remains beloved by fans.
After later spells in Spain and Italy, he stepped away from playing in 2025.
Felipe Melo
The fiery Brazilian midfielder built a reputation for his tough tackling and leadership. A notable example of his commitment was a surprise appearance in goal following a red card to Fernando Muslera – Melo then saved the resultant penalty.
Melo’s career spanned Europe with Fiorentina, Juventus and Galatasaray, as well as domestic success back home with Palmeiras.
Adam Lallana
A technically gifted midfielder, Lallana made his name at Southampton before becoming part of Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League winning squads under Jürgen Klopp. The Englishman scored many iconic late goals, including one against Manchester United in the title-winning season of 2019/20.
After a stint with Brighton and a brief return to Southampton, Lallana retired but remained on the coaching staff.
Simon Kjær
Denmark’s captain and a defensive leader, Kjær is remembered not just for his career at clubs like Sevilla, AC Milan and Fenerbahçe but also for the role he played during the Euro 2020 Christian Eriksen incident. Kjær, alongside the medical staff, were awarded the Uefa President’s Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities.
He ended his career in Italy and is already involved in coaching, with the Danish FA keen to bring him into the national set-up.
