Football is commonly referred to as "The Beautiful Game" because of the diverse culture it promotes and the level of impact it has on people's minds, emotions, and lives, not just professional footballers, but anybody remotely associated with the sport. Looking back on what could have been is always heartbreaking, especially with some of the amazing talent that is frequently squandered by injuries that cut short careers before they even begin. Today, we'll look at 5 players who retired from football too soon.
4. Alvaro Dominguez
Alvaro Dominguez was destined to become one of the top defenders in Europe after playing for both Real and Atletico Madrid. When he was 12, he joined Atletico Madrid's youth team from Real Madrid's. Dominguez rose through the ranks to earn his senior squad debut in 2008-09. Initially a left-back, he seamlessly transformed into a centre-back under Atletico manager Quique Sanchez Flores. In the summer of 2012, Dominguez joined Borussia Monchengladbach for £9 million. Dominguez was one of the league's greatest defenders throughout his three seasons with the club. Midway through the 2016-17 season, he startled the football world by retiring. Dominguez stated he had been suffering from persistent back pain for years, leaving him unable to continue. He retired at 28 years old, and football lost an exciting prospect. He was a prolific striker of his era. In his peak, he could perform amazing things with his feet. In 1958, he scored 13 goals in a single World Cup campaign for France. It's still a goal for any player to break that record. There's a reason he's 30 goals in 21 caps for France. Sadly, he had to retire at the age of 28 just four years after his legendary World Cup performance in Sweden.
3. Brian Laudrup
He'd had an incredibly successful career. With AC Milan, he won three different league titles in Denmark and also won the famous Champions League. He also played an important role in the Danish teams that won Euro 1992 and the Confederations Cup in 1995. As a result, he had a solid international performance as well. Unfortunately, due to injuries, he had to retire early in the year 2000, at the age of 31.
2. Abdelhak Nouri.
In a recent football tragedy, Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri collapsed during a friendly match. Nouri, an Ajax youth academy product, stood out among his contemporaries and was labeled the academy's next great thing. The former Netherlands U21 international was also named Ajax Reserve Player of the Season in 2016-17. He made his senior team debut in 2016-17 and was promoted to the first team in 2017-18. However, during a preseason friendly against Werder Bremen, Nouri fell on the field. The 24-year-old had a steady heart arrhythmia. Ajax stated five days later that the child had suffered severe and lifelong brain damage. He was admitted to the ICU (ICU). After nearly three years in a coma, Abdelhak Nouri is now able to converse and recognize his loved ones. Nouri was another gem lost to football, yet he lives on. Ajax officials later recognized that their failure to treat Nouri promptly caused lifelong brain damage. Nouri's family sued the club in front of the Dutch Football Association's arbitration panel.
1. Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero had already completed the majority of his career at the age of 33, collecting numerous titles and establishing himself as one of the greatest Premier League goal scorers while playing for Manchester City. However, when he was forced to retire in December 2021 due to a heart issue, he still had goals to achieve in Barcelona. "I'm proud of the career I've had and am glad it is happening to me now rather than before," Aguero stated when announcing his retirement. I'm not sure what awaits me in the next world, but I do know that there are many people who care about me and want the best for me.
