Best of 2018: The top legends who retired this year | OneFootball

Time waits for nobody, and 2018 saw some legendary players hang up their boots.

So we decided to pay tribute to them.

Ronaldinho

A truly iconic figure for his generation, Ronaldinho officially announced his retirement in January 2018.

After coming through at Grêmio, he dazzled at Paris Saint-Germain for two years before landing in Barcelona – where he would go on to seduce the world.

With his immaculate control, elastic technique and habit of scoring wonder goals, the Brazilian embraced the role of becoming football’s great entertainer.

One Champions League title, World Cup glory, two LaLiga and Serie A trophies – he will remain in the hearts of many.

Didier Drogba

King of the ‘big moment’, Drogba was another era-defining player to announce his retirement in 2018.

The Ivorian striker worked tirelessly for his Ligue 1 opportunity, before enjoying a dream season in Marseille and later earning legend status at Chelsea.

Powerful, unstoppable in the box and capable of stepping up whenever his team needed him, few could match his penchant for scoring in finals.

Champions League glory and four Premier League titles mean he can look back on his career with a smile.

Michael Carrick

It’s often overstated how players are ‘underrated’ but this couldn’t be more correct in the case of Michael Carrick.

An excellent dictator from deep, incredible reader of the game and pinpoint long range passer, he was criminally undervalued by his country.

Despite his unfortunate injury record, he still made over 450 appearances for Manchester United and earned instant respect from fans due to his professionalism.

After racking up over 11 honours, he now pursues his dream as a coach at Old Trafford.

Thiago Motta

His retirement went under the radar after some quiet seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, but Thiago Motta was brilliant.

On the pitch, he was the embodiment of elegance and ease, and without ever really running he was everywhere he needed to be.

A key figure for the likes of Inter, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, he hung up his boots with a total of 27 (we know!) honours.

Much like Carrick, the midfielder is now stepping into the world of coaching in Paris.

Júlio César

Júlio César established himself as one of the best post-Millennium goalkeepers and that tag was truly justified.

He won nine major honours with Inter, becoming a true reference for the treble winning side under José Mourinho in 2010.

The Brazilian was known for his flexibility, power, confidence in the air and carried a strong charisma with him throughout.

Finishing his career with Flamengo – his boyhood club – was a fitting end to a glittering career.