When the Love for the Game Never Fades Away
Wojciech Szczęsny, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, has made a stunning comeback to professional football, signing with Barcelona as a free agent. This move comes just five weeks after he announced his retirement from the sport. Szczęsny’s decision to reverse his retirement is not an isolated incident; many legendary footballers have done the same in the past.
One such iconic figure is Pelé, who won three World Cups with Brazil. After retiring in 1974, Pelé was tempted back to the game by a lucrative offer from the New York Cosmos, where he played for three more years before retiring again in 1977.
Another legendary player who couldn’t resist the call of the game is Diego Maradona. After initially retiring in 1996, Maradona returned to play for Boca Juniors just six months later. He then retired again, only to make another comeback, showcasing his undying passion for the sport.
Johan Cruyff, the Dutch football legend, also had a brief stint in retirement before being forced back into the game due to financial reasons. He went on to play for several clubs, including Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, and Levante, before eventually retiring for good.
Landon Donovan, the American football great, is another example of a player who couldn’t stay away from the game. After retiring in 2014, Donovan returned to LA Galaxy two years later to help cover an injury crisis. He then retired again, only to come back and sign for Liga MX outfit León, although his contract was terminated five months later.
Paul Scholes, the former Manchester United midfielder, also reversed his retirement decision. After initially retiring in 2011, Scholes returned to the team just six months later to help cover an injury crisis, going on to win another Premier League title with United.
Arjen Robben, the Dutch winger, is another player who couldn’t resist the call of the game. After retiring from Bayern Munich in 2019, Robben returned to his boyhood club, FC Groningen, at the age of 36. Although he didn’t make a significant impact, his decision to come out of retirement showcases his enduring love for the sport.
Rivaldo, the Brazilian football legend, played on well into his 40s before finally succumbing to his first “retirement” announcement. However, he reversed his decision just a year later, signing for Brazilian Serie B club Mogi Mirim, where he played alongside his 20-year-old son.
Romario, one of the greatest strikers of all time, also had a brief stint in retirement before returning to the game. After quitting in 2008, Romario returned to sign for Rio de Janeiro-based club America FC, helping the team win the Carioca Championship second-division title.
Jens Lehmann, the former Arsenal goalkeeper, reversed his retirement decision to return to the club for the latter stages of the 2010-11 season. Jurgen Klinsmann, the German football legend, also came out of retirement to play in the fourth-tier US Premier Development League.
Zico, the Brazilian football great, attempted to retire in 1989 but was tempted back to the game by an offer to play in Japan with Kashima Antlers. He went on to have a successful second wind, playing for three more years before finally retiring at the age of 41.
Paul Gascoigne, the English football legend, has had multiple stints in retirement, but his love for the game has always brought him back. After initially retiring in 2004, Gascoigne made intermittent returns to football, showcasing his enduring passion for the sport.
These stories highlight the fact that for many footballers, the love for the game never truly fades away. Even when they think they’re done, the call of the pitch can be too strong to resist.
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