Pogba effectively ending his career for failing a drugs test is one.
Any other examples where players haven't suffered an injury, illness or died
Any other examples where players haven't suffered an injury, illness or died
Injury, illness and death aside, what are some of the worst ways players' careers have ended?
- Thread starter horsechoker
- Start date
David Bentley?
Just didn't like playing any more at about 29, so quit.
Just didn't like playing any more at about 29, so quit.
At least it was his choice
Ah, I did miss the "worst ways", so my example isn't a good one really.
Cantona retiring at the age of 30 to pursue the career in acting has to be up there
Adam Johnson should be on the list.
Zidane.
Tim Wiese' wrestling career that ended as soon as it began.
Zizou
Salvador Cabañas’ career was effectively ended by being shot in the head.
Being arrested for a crime
Neymar’s not retired but it feels like he just got bored and left the game.
Oscar moving to China. I don't think he was world-class but he could definitely have played a few more years for a good team.
Quincy Promes has to be up there too now.
Quincy Promes has to be up there too now.
Adam Johnson having a diddle
And then getting caught.
This one was extra stupid because the team won the Treble the following season
Coincidence?
Counts as an injury doesn't it.
Two seasons later. He retired after 96/97.
Illic? I know the OP stipulates no illness, but his story just feels a bit more complicated than that.
Thought he'd never walk again due to an infection, then becomes arguably the best player in Italy, before depression, anxiety over aforementioned diagnosis, and - depending on what you believe - family issues, forced him out of Atalanta after he couldn't cope anymore.
Was also pretty sweet when a bunch of Atalanta fans followed him over to Maribor for his first training session just to send him off.
Thought he'd never walk again due to an infection, then becomes arguably the best player in Italy, before depression, anxiety over aforementioned diagnosis, and - depending on what you believe - family issues, forced him out of Atalanta after he couldn't cope anymore.
Was also pretty sweet when a bunch of Atalanta fans followed him over to Maribor for his first training session just to send him off.
Getting a transfer to united (someone had to write it).
In all seriousness, didn't Anderson retire because he made a fortune with crypto, only to be charged for fraud? But I have to check if he was actually sentenced. If not, then making a fortune and retiring its more than fine.
In all seriousness, didn't Anderson retire because he made a fortune with crypto, only to be charged for fraud? But I have to check if he was actually sentenced. If not, then making a fortune and retiring its more than fine.
Kalvin Phillips signing for City
See also: Jack Rodwell.
Eden Hazard arriving at the Bernabeu looking like the Michelin man
And Scott Sinclair
Sandro Tonali and Ivan Toney - gambled their careers away.
Jadon Sancho - FIFA
Dele Alli - Fortnite
Dele Alli - Fortnite
Joey Barton?
Paul Pogba
Mason Greenwood
Quincy letting go of his Promesing career has to be up there?
David Gills son dropping out of United to go study accountancy. I mean what a way to go
He'll probably take over Omar some day
Unlikely.
Gazza. Might count as illness. But him trying to invite a serial killer to a few beers whilst it was going on is the most surreal moment from a footballer.
Erm no they didn't. He retired at the end of 96/ 97.
Not sure it was for that reason either, he had had enough of football.
Winston Bogarde probably up there. He was a very good defender that cemented himself at a very good Ajax side, and then was able to win a double with Barcelona.
At 29, decided to go to Chelsea and after a falling out, made 9 appearances in 4 years and retired after the contract was up. That move made him 15 million but ended up being his legacy in the game.
At 29, decided to go to Chelsea and after a falling out, made 9 appearances in 4 years and retired after the contract was up. That move made him 15 million but ended up being his legacy in the game.
He best not miss
Their careers haven't ended though? Not even close to ending.
Both are pretty young and will be back to their best.
