Top 5 Players That Retired This Season and Their Life After Football
Following up on the top 5 players who retired earlier this year, here’s a look at five more who’ve now officially hung up their boots. From football legends to fan favourites, each has left a mark on the game. Here are the top 5 players that retired in the 2024/2025 season and their plans for their Life After Football.
5. Carlos Vela
Carlos Vela captivated MLS with LAFC’s golden years, claiming the 2019 MVP and Golden Boot with record-setting 34 goals and 49 goal involvements in one season. After helping LAFC to win two Supporters’ Shields, the 2022 MLS Cup, and the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, he retired just this month and immediately took up the role of Black & Gold Ambassador for LAFC. Beyond his ambassador duties, Vela has expanded into the entertainment and media world: he’s exploring a documentary project, frequently engages in fashion collaborations, and graced the cover of GQ Mexico. Additionally, he supports youth empowerment in Los Angeles through charity events and basketball clinics. Vela has seamlessly turned his on-pitch swagger into cultural influence, fusing sport, style, and storytelling in his post-playing chapter.
4. Jan Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen earned legendary status as Belgium’s most-capped outfield player and a defensive rock for Ajax, Tottenham, and Benfica. He helped Ajax reach the Champions League final in 2019 and consistently led with composure and tactical intelligence. Just a few weeks ago, after wrapping up his last season, he formally announced retirement, and he’s already shifted gears. He’s actively pursuing coaching licenses, working with Belgian FA youth teams, and mentoring emerging defenders back home. Additionally, he’s invested in sustainable architecture projects in Antwerp, aiming to blend eco-conscious design with community shelters. Importantly, Vertonghen has publicly advocated for mental‑health awareness in football, collaborating with organizations to support athletes’ psychological well-being. Those moves suggest he’s building a legacy rooted in both mentorship and social impact.
3. Pepe Reina
A Champions League winner with Liverpool and a serial title-holder with Napoli and Bayern Munich, Pepe Reina’s legacy stretches far beyond the penalty box. Known for his leadership, sharp reflexes, and charismatic presence, Reina made over 800 appearances across Europe’s top leagues. After retiring in 2024, he transitioned into a technical advisor role at Villarreal, returning to the club where he first rose to prominence and now helping shape its sporting direction. Off the pitch, Reina enjoys quieter pursuits — particularly golf, a sport he’s grown passionate about over the years. He’s frequently spotted on Spanish courses, often participating in charity tournaments and pro-am events. Whether mentoring young players or perfecting his swing, Reina continues to channel his competitive spirit in new, rewarding ways.
2. Marek Hamsík
One of Slovakia’s greatest-ever footballers, Marek Hamšík built a legendary career as Napoli’s heartbeat in midfield. With over 500 appearances and the club’s all-time assist record, he became a fan favorite known for his signature mohawk. His piercing vision and box-to-box dynamism helped define a golden era for Napoli during his time in Italy. He later played in China and Turkey before finishing his career at Slovan Bratislava, where he lifted domestic silverware. Hamšík also captained Slovakia during their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in South Africa in 2010.
After retiring, he launched the Hamšík Academy in Banská Bystrica to develop a new generation of Slovak football talent. He also opened Hamšík Wine, a vineyard business that exports internationally and reflects his Central European heritage. Through his foundation, he regularly supports hospitals and grassroots youth sports projects across Slovakia. Moreover, he already joined Slovakia’s national team as an assistant coach during their successful EURO 2024 qualification campaign. Whether mentoring young players or building ventures, Hamšík continues shaping a legacy far beyond his playing days.
1. Mats Hummels
A World Cup winner and two-time Champions League finalist, Mats Hummels has been one of Germany’s most elegant and intelligent defenders of the modern era. Renowned for his positional sense, passing range, and leadership, he made his mark at both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, winning multiple Bundesliga titles and captaining Dortmund through some of their most memorable European nights.
As he nears the end of his career in 2025, Hummels has hinted at a thoughtful transition — not into coaching, but possibly into football analysis or management, where his tactical insights could shine. Off the pitch, Hummels is known for his interest in fashion, media, and social causes, particularly child welfare initiatives in Germany. He’s also become an occasional presence in football documentaries and Bundesliga productions, offering articulate, strategic perspectives on the game. Whether behind a desk or shaping policy, Hummels seems poised to remain a thoughtful voice in football’s next chapter.
Ready for more?
Hungry for more? Check out the top 5 players that retired earlier this season, including a Brazilian left-back Real Madrid sensation.
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