Top 10 footballers who came out of international retirement

The career span of sports like football is very less. It is primarily because of the physical efforts that the sport requires. Other issues include injury problems. Typically, a player can expect to compete at the highest level for a maximum of 10 to 15 years. During this duration, the player experiences and gets a shot at the club playtime a lot. However, when it comes to international football, players tend to have less exposure representing their country compared to a club. This arises from the limited number of international fixtures and the extended intervals between major international tournaments. An average to the good player at the most witnesses only two to three World Cups.

There are many players who took relatively early retirement from international football to pave the way for the younger ones or to bring change to the team. A recent example is Eden Hazard, who announced his retirement at the age of 31 following his team's disappointing elimination from the Group Stage of the 2022 World Cup. However, throughout the years, several players have reversed their retirement decisions to represent their country once more, whether motivated by a particular cause or the influence of fan expectations; many prominent players have decided to make a comeback.

In this article, let’s look at the top 10 footballers who came out of international retirement.

10. Michel Platini (France)

The French legend is regarded as one of the best players ever to emerge from France. He declared his retirement from the national team in 1987. However, he made a return to international football by representing Kuwait on the global stage. Following a request from the Emir of Kuwait, Platini played in a match against the Soviet Union while playing for Kuwait.

9. George Weah (Liberia)

The footballer turned President of the African nation of Liberia was one of the finest players in the footballing world. Following his illustrious career on the field, he transitioned into politics within his native Liberia and ultimately assumed the role of President. After retiring from football, Weah played once more at the age of 51. The striker played in a special friendly against Nigeria while being the President of the nation.

8. Lillian Thuram (France)

The French defender ranks as the second-most-capped player in the history of the national team with 142 appearances. He was a member of the victorious squad in the 1998 World Cup. Following France's disappointing performances in the 2002 World Cup and the quarterfinal exit at Euro 2004, he chose to retire in 2004. However, as the 2006 World Cup approached, coach Raymond Domenech successfully persuaded Thuram to return from retirement. He contributed to the team's journey to the finals, where they were ultimately defeated by Italy. Thuram continued to play until 2008, leading the team through a lackluster Euro 2008 campaign.

7. Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands)

The Dutch legendary goalkeeper is the second most capped player in Netherlands football history. During a radio interview, he expressed his intention to retire following EURO 2008; however, under the influence of coach Bert van Marwijk, he opted to play in the 2010 World Cup qualifications as well. This decision was prompted by the injuries sustained by both of the other goalkeepers.

6. Roy Keane (Republic of Ireland)

The Manchester United star’s star retirement/disagreement with the coach fumed the controversy known as The Saipan incident. Roy Keane found himself in conflict with his coach of the Irish national team, Mick McCarthy. The situation escalated when Keane conducted an interview in which he openly criticized the team spirit and the conditions within the Irish camp. Following a heated exchange, McCarthy suspended Keane and sent him home from the squad. It was not until 2004, after McCarthy's resignation, that Roy Keane returned to the national team camp. Nevertheless, numerous fans have expressed their discontent with Keane for prioritizing the interests of Manchester United over those of his national team.

5. Sunil Chhetri (India)

Sunil Chhetri is one of the biggest names in modern-day Indian football. The modern day Messiah of Indian football has decided to cut his retirement days short. This decision will massively boost the Indian football team's prospects as they approach the international break in March. Chhetri is poised to captain his team in a friendly match against the Maldives, in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Bangladesh.

4. Wayne Rooney (England)

Wayne Rooney, the second most capped player for England and a joint top scorer for the national team, enjoyed an illustrious career at both the club and international levels. He declared his retirement in 2017; however, he made a return to the international arena, not for a competitive fixture but for a charity event. This match marked his 120th and final appearance in the England jersey, taking place between the USA and England. The event was organized to support the Wayne Rooney Foundation International.

3. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)

The Italian Goalkeeping legend just doesn’t seem to get old. He is the most capped Italian international and was an important part of the Italian squad defending their goalpost for two decades (1997-2018). Although he announced his retirement in 2017, he made a comeback in 2018, playing in international friendlies against England and Argentina. His return was motivated by a sense of duty and a tribute to David Astori.

2. Zinedine Zidane (France)

Another prominent French figure on the list, Zidane retired alongside fellow players like Thuram and Makelele. He was convinced by coach Raymond Domenech to make a comeback and captain the French national team during the 2006 World Cup. The Ballon D’or recipient delivered an exceptional performance throughout the tournament in Germany, guiding the team to the finals. The final infamously came to be identified with Zidane’s Headbutt resulting in a red card.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Regarded as the greatest footballer of all time by both fans and experts globally, Lionel Messi declared his retirement from international football following Argentina's loss to Chile in the Copa America final in 2016. After the defeat, Messi announced to the world that he would be walking away from international football. He was soon talked out of that decision, though, allowing him to go on and become a World Cup winner at Qatar 2022 – on the back of savouring continental glory with the Albiceleste a year earlier.

Cover Credits - Mid-day