Most footballers decided to retire in their 30s because they lose their speed, endurance, and other performance attributes which are crucial for this sport. Some of them have successful careers as football coaches or managers following their retirements, whereas others completely change their career paths.
The former England captain, David Beckham won 19 major trophies during his football career. The most-capped outfield player has managed his own companies and has continued to live his life in the public eye.
The “King”, Eric Cantona, is an unforgettable name in the football world. After his retirement in 1997, he focused his career as an actor in French cinema.
The former Portuguese captain, Luis Figo, had a successful football career highlighted by several awards. The former Real Madrid star has taken an advisory role with UEFA and has been a stellar ambassador for Mastercard.
Zinedine Zidane is a representative figure in French football. After two very successful sessions as a Real Madrid manager, Zidane has been out of work since 2021 after leaving the club.
After leading his country to the 2002 World Cup victory, Brazilian football player Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He is the current president of Real Valladolid and the owner of Cruzeiro of the Brasileiro Série A.
Gianfranco Zola put an end to his incredible career in 2005. After leaving his role as an assistant manager at Chelsea, the former iconic Italian football figure co-owns an Italian gelato and coffee shop called Unico Gelato & Caffè.
The multi-award-winning German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is regarded as one of the sport's all-time great goalkeepers. He has endorsed the role of CEO of Bayern Munich since 2021.
Ranked the fourth-highest goal scorer of Chelsea, Didier Drogba is a football icon in his country Ivory Coast. The former striker has currently applied for the Ivory Coast Football Federation presidency.
The longest-serving Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, was one of the icon football players. Neville is now a co-owner of the English club Salford City, in addition to his other ventures.
The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner Kaká is the star of Brazil's national team. Although he has largely lived a private life, he has recently obtained a college degree in sports marketing.
The most capped player in France's national team Lillian Thuram is a pivotal figure in football history. Since his retirement, Thuram has written books and worked as an activist on issues like immigration, equality, and racism.
Considered one of the best players of his generation, Thierry Henry played a significant role in the French national team. Henry becomes a shareholder of the Italian club, Como.
The best striker Samuel Eto’o retired in 2014. He has assumed the role of the Cameroon Football Federation's presidency since December 2021.
Romario is mainly renowned as a prolific striker. On the platform of the Brazilian Socialist Party, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2010.
Football icon Michel Platini won the Ballon d'Or three times. The former UEFA president has become a successful entrepreneur in stock market investment, real estate, and restaurants.
The record goalscorer for both the England national team and Manchester United, Wayne Rooney is considered the best all-time player. In 2022, Rooney was appointed as head coach for D.C. United.
A Premier League legend, Frank Lampard ended his playing career in February 2017. Lampard returned to football in January 2022 to manage Everton.
Multiple league title winner, Claude Makélélé was a brilliant defensive midfielder in France. He works as Chelsea's technical mentor and youth coach.
World Cup champion Ronaldinho won many trophies during his career. Following the success of his wine company Vino de Campeones, he introduced his own line of organic gin under the name R-ONE.
