Explore the intriguing stories of 10 football superstars who mysteriously vanished from the limelight after their peak careers.
10. André Schürrle
André Schürrle, a World Cup and Premier League winner, retired from professional football at just 29. Post-retirement, he has taken up mountain climbing, a surprising shift that underscores his complete departure from the footballing world.
9. Jesé Rodriguez
Jesé Rodriguez, once compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, has had a tumultuous career post-Real Madrid. After a failed spell at PSG and various loan moves, including one marred by a COVID-19 protocol violation and a sex scandal, Jesé’s football career has dramatically declined.
8. Denis Cheryshev
Denis Cheryshev, who shone brightly at the 2018 World Cup, has since faded. After a stint with Valencia, he moved to Venezia in Italy’s second division but is currently without a club. The Russian national team’s ban from international competitions has further obscured his career.
7. Oscar
Oscar shocked the football world by moving to China in 2017 at the peak of his career. Prioritizing financial security over international success, Oscar has largely disappeared from mainstream football discussions, though he remains active in China.
6. Alexandre Pato
Alexandre Pato, once hailed as Brazil’s next big thing, has had a turbulent career plagued by injuries. After stints in China, the US, and Brazil, Pato has not returned to European football. At 34, he remains out of the limelight, a distant memory of his early promise.
5. Douglas Costa
The electrifying Brazilian winger Douglas Costa was once a key player for Bayern Munich and Juventus. Since leaving Europe in 2021, Costa’s presence has diminished. He recently moved from MLS back to Brazil, quietly continuing his career away from the global stage.
4. Gylfi Sigurdsson
Gylfi Sigurdsson, a standout midfielder in the Premier League, vanished after his arrest in 2021. Although cleared by Greater Manchester Police, he never returned to the spotlight. Sigurdsson recently joined Valur in Iceland, marking a low-profile continuation of his career.
3. Arda Turan
Once a top player at Atletico Madrid, Arda Turan’s career took a nosedive after his move to Barcelona in 2015. He returned to Turkey in 2018 and retired in 2022. Unless you’re closely following Turkish football, Turan’s name has likely faded from memory.
2. Frank Rijkaard
Frank Rijkaard, who led Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2006, has been off the radar since 2013 after managing the Saudi Arabian national team. His absence from the public eye leaves fans wondering what he’s been up to for the past decade.
1. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary footballer turned highly successful coach, has mysteriously disappeared from the footballing world since his last stint with Real Madrid in 2021. Despite numerous rumors linking him to various clubs and national teams, Zidane remains out of sight, and his future in football is still uncertain.
Conclusion
These football stars have faded from the public eye for various reasons, from personal choices to professional setbacks. Their stories remind us of the unpredictable nature of football careers. If you know of more such stars or have thoughts on these disappearances, share them in the comments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more intriguing football content!
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