The Strangest Early Retirements in Sports History

In the world of professional sports, careers are often measured by longevity and the accumulation of accolades. Just take one look at Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese sensation recently captained his country at UEFA Euro 2024 at the ripe old age of 39, and he has his sights firmly set on representing his beloved Selecao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The same goes for his nemesis Lionel Messi, who is still racking up trophies at 37 years of age, most recently leading Argentina to a second straight Copa America crown earlier this summer.

However, some athletes choose to hang up their boots well before their sell-by dates. Their decisions often leave fans puzzled by their reasoning, speculating on the potential unfulfilled. While the aforementioned CR7 continues to plow on, his former Real Madrid teammate Ton Kroos chose to end his career on top after winning yet another UEFA Champions League Crown with Los Blancos, calling time on his glittering career at just 34. Here are five other sporting sensations that did the same.

Ash Barty

Ash Barty’s retirement from tennis in March 2022 sent shockwaves through the sporting world. At just 25 years old and ranked as the number one female star on the planet, the talented Aussie chose to walk away at the peak of her career, having claimed the Australian Open just months prior. Known for her versatile game and calm demeanor, she cited a desire for new challenges and personal contentment as her reasons for stepping away.

The Queensland-born star was considered one of the most popular Australian women in sports, alongside the likes of women’s soccer sensation Sam Kerr, who very nearly led the Matildas to Women’s World Cup success last year. But, even since she retired, her name is still held up in lights in the Land Down Under, but fans can’t quite help but wonder what might have been.

Barty’s retirement wasn’t her first break from tennis; she had taken a hiatus earlier in her career to play professional cricket, something she also excelled at. Now, the multi-faceted sensation has turned her attention to the links and is pursuing a career in golf. Despite that, however, her decision to quit tennis at the height of her powers sparked discussions about mental health and personal fulfillment in high-pressure situations. Whether we ever see her on the court again remains to be seen however, she is still just 28, so we wouldn’t rule anything out.

Philip Lahm

Philip Lahm’s announcement of his retirement from international football in 2014 stunned many. Just days after captaining Germany to victory in the FIFA World Cup, the Bayern Munich icon decided to step down from international duties, relinquishing the captain’s armband in the process. His departure wasn’t an end to his football career just yet, as he continued to play club football for another three years but even then his full retirement from the beautiful game at the age of just 32 took many by surprise.

Lahm’s decision was noted for its timing and thoughtfulness. He retired while still at the top of his game, avoiding the decline that often mars the legacies of great players. His rationale was simple: he wanted to go out on a high note and make way for younger talent. And let’s face it, is there any better time to call it quits than having just won the World Cup, the pinnacle of any footballer’s career?

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, but even he made a shocking early exit. In October 1993, Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA at just 30 years old, shortly after leading the Chicago Bulls to their first of two three-peats. His decision was influenced by the tragic murder of his father and a desire to pursue a career in professional baseball, a sport his father loved although the decision wasn’t without controversy, with many conspiracy theorists wondering whether MJ’s gambling had a part to play in his father’s death.

After his shocking exit from the Bulls, Jordan stunned the world once more when he announced that he would pursue a baseball career, a sport that his father loved and that the two regularly played together. The White Sox duly snapped up the basketball ace, before moving him on to their minor league affiliate the Birmingham Barons. He enjoyed some success, but he wasn’t the force of nature that he was in the NBA.

Two years later, MJ simply uttered the words “I’m back,” signifying his return to his beloved Windy City franchise. He completed a second threepeat – totaling six Larry O’Brien Championship trophies in seven years in which he was on the roster – culminating with his side’s Last Dance success in 1999. The unexpected detour in Jordan’s career only added to his legacy. While LeBron James may have overtaken him in scoring, the current Los Angeles Lakers man can only dream of replicating Jordan’s overall aura, even over two decades n from the great man’s second and final retirement.