Sports legends are heading towards the end of their careers

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the essentials in brief

• A large number of sports legends will retire in the next few years.
• Tennis, football, golf, motor sports – hardly any world sport is spared.
• With Roger Federer, a great Swiss is about to say goodbye.

Even if it sometimes seems like it – no sports career lasts forever. In fact, the sports world is facing a real turning point in the next few years. Several true legends will soon be hanging up their shoes, racquets and helmets.

Does it make you sad when sports legends retire?

42%

Yes, because you accompanied them for a long time. –

1

Yes, because you accompanied them for a long time. –

58%

No, everything comes to an end at some point! –

2

No, everything comes to an end at some point! –

From a Swiss point of view, Roger Federer in particular catches the eye. The tennis maestro will soon be celebrating his 41st birthday, but is currently fighting for his career. After several knee operations, the 20-time Grand Slam winner is working on his comeback.

His favorite rival Rafael Nadal is not getting any younger either: The 36-year-old Spaniard has always been prone to injury and recently had to give up at Wimbledon. Thanks to his recent foot surgery, the immediate future is secured, but in the long term his retirement is near.

And in women’s tennis, too, a legend is about to say goodbye: Serena Williams has fallen out of the world rankings at the age of 40. In Wimbledon she lost to Harmony Tan in her comeback after a year’s break. The next attempt will be in Toronto in August.

Record holders tremble for the future

From one lawn to another: Golf legend Tiger Woods (46) is also fighting for his career. The PGA Tour record winner is suffering from the consequences of his serious car accident. The back is also difficult – 18 holes are now a challenge.

Tom Brady doesn’t have to hit, he has to throw – and he’s still doing that for 44 years. The NFL icon is starting a pre-season for the 23rd time these days. According to the trend, it should be the last season of the seven-time Super Bowl winner.

That could also apply to basketball legend LeBron James. The 37-year-old was still averaging 30 points per game for the LA Lakers last year. However, persistent injuries cost him almost half the season – and the playoffs. Farewell coming?

Three football legends dribble towards retirement

Speaking of farewells: Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United is apparently also planning such a farewell. The Portuguese still wants to play Champions League football at 37. But the superstar’s heyday is probably over, despite his legendary fitness.

His permanent rival Lionel Messi (35) is in a similar situation: After leaving Barcelona, ​​the Argentine has become a shadow of himself at Paris Saint-Germain. His contract in Paris expires, where it will continue is open.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has meanwhile signed a new contract: the Swede shot Milan to the Scudetto even as a 40-year-old. As a thank you, there was a new contract until July 2023. But first Zlatan has to recover from knee surgery.

Two Formula 1 icons before saying goodbye

Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes runs until December 2023. The Formula 1 record world champion turns 39 a little later. The long-awaited eighth world title is currently far away – and teammate George Russell is surpassing him internally.

Fernando Alonso will be driving in Formula 1 for at least two more years: The Spaniard is switching from Alpine to Aston Martin, where he is replacing a retiring icon with Sebastian Vettel. His new contract is said to run until at least the end of 2024.