Top 10 sportspersons who came out of retirement

The world of sports is exceptionally challenging and requires a high degree of discipline to achieve success. The physical requirements are perpetually escalating, leading to an overwhelming strain on the athlete's body over time. Only a few individuals attain the peak of their profession, retire, and then return to play at the highest level once again.

Over the years, several high-profile personalities in sports have announced their retirement only to return and do what they do best. Recently, the legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football but has returned to the Indian national football team.

Chhetri’s miraculous return to international football reminds the sporting fraternity of sportspersons who came out of retirement. 

In this article, let’s take a look at top 10 sports personalities who came out of retirement to play once again at the highest level.

Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and an inspiration for women in the sport. A former world No. 1 in the women’s singles rankings and winner of 25 major titles retired in 2003. Hingis made a return in 2005, retired once again in 2007, and made another successful comeback in 2012. Ultimately, she retired for the last time from the sport in 2017.

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, the fourth-highest goalscorer ever in international football, is one of the greatest footballers from Asia and a legend of Indian football. With a remarkable tally of 94 international goals, he is surpassed only by legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among active goal scorers. Chhetri retired from international career in June 2024 at the age of 40.

However, the announcement of Chhetri’s return to the national team surprised the entire country, coinciding with the Blue Tigers' preparations for the international break scheduled for March 2025.

Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders from England. Throughout his club career, he won multiple trophies with Manchester United. Although he initially retired from professional football in May 2011, he made a comeback the following year to assist the Red Devils in securing another Premier League title. He finally hung his boots in May 2013.

Imran Khan

Imran Khan is one of the greatest cricket players produced by Pakistan. Prior to his political career, Khan was popular in his country as he had played in the national cricket team. He made a comeback from retirement in 1988, having initially announced his retirement in 1987. His return to the team was instrumental in Pakistan's victory at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1992, after which he permanently retired from the sport.

Michael Schumacher

F1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and few names hold more respect than Michael Schumacher. Often celebrated as the greatest driver in the history of Formula 1, the German racer decided to retire in 2006 after securing seven world championships. However, he returned in 2010, joining the Mercedes team, before ultimately retiring once more in 2012.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady stands as one of the most legendary figures in American sports history. The renowned football player declared his retirement in 2022 after winning seven Super Bowl championships. However, only 40 days later, he revealed his decision to return to the game before finally hanging up his boots in February 2023.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's announcement to retire from international football shocked the world following Argentina's departure from the 2015 Copa America. However, he made a comeback to the national team shortly thereafter and ultimately led them to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Michael Phelps

When it comes to men’s swimming, there is no greater name than Michael Phelps. The iconic American swimmer announced his retirement following the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. However, he made a surprising return in 2014 and competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where he won five gold medals and one silver medal.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest professional boxers of all time, also returned from retirement.  He initially retired in 1978 after winning the world heavyweight title three times. Two years later, he re-entered the boxing ring and eventually retired permanently in 1981.

Michael Jordan

A true legend in every aspect, Michael Jordan made a comeback from retirement as well. His initial retirement in 1993 stunned the world, but he returned to the sport two years later, much to the delight of millions of fans around the globe. He finally retired for the final time in 2003, a decade later, after securing six NBA championships.

Cover Credits - NBA