Football is a game of ups and downs. One moment, a player is at the peak of their career, and the next, they seem to vanish from the spotlight.
In 2024, several high-profile footballers faded from public view for various reasons, including injuries, transfers, and retirement. Here are ten players who seemingly disappeared in 2024.
1. Simon Kjær
A rock-solid defender and a hero for Denmark during the Euro 2021, Simon Kjær captained AC Milan to Serie A glory in 2022. However, after leaving Milan in mid-2024, he retired from football in January 2025. With little social media presence and no involvement in punditry or coaching, Kjær has been off the radar since his departure from the Rossoneri.
2. Raphaël Varane
Once a World Cup-winning center-back and a key player for Manchester United, Varane struggled with injuries in 2024. After moving to Como in the summer, his injury woes continued, leading to his exclusion from the Serie A squad list. He announced his retirement in September and has remained away from the football scene ever since.
3. Sergi Roberto
A long-time Barcelona player and former captain, Sergi Roberto left Spain in 2024 to join Como. However, recurring injuries have limited his appearances, making it seem like he disappeared from football. With 13 missed games in his first season at Como, Roberto’s future remains uncertain.
4. Joselu
The Spanish striker had a dream season with Real Madrid in 2023, scoring crucial goals in the Champions League and winning La Liga and the Euros. However, his move to Qatari club Al-Gharafa in 2024 led to him fading from European football discussions.
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward was instrumental for Marseille in the 2023-24 Europa League. Despite his strong performances, he opted to leave European football for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, which significantly reduced his visibility in mainstream football conversations.
6. Sébastien Haller
Haller’s inspirational comeback from cancer saw him score the winning goal for Ivory Coast in the 2024 AFCON final. However, Dortmund surprisingly loaned him to La Liga newcomers Leganés, where he struggled. His loan was terminated, and he was sent to Utrecht in the Netherlands, further dimming his presence in top-tier football.
7. Thiago Alcântara
After years of injuries at Liverpool, Thiago retired in 2024 and joined Barcelona’s coaching staff under Hansi Flick. However, he left shortly afterward and has since been spotted skiing and learning barista skills rather than engaging with football.
8. Philippe Coutinho
Once a Barcelona record signing, Coutinho’s career took a downward spiral. After a stint at Aston Villa, he was loaned out to Vasco da Gama in Brazil, his boyhood club. With his return to Brazil, he has largely faded from European football conversations.
9. Diego Costa
The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker has been a feared name in football for years. In 2023, he played for Grêmio in Brazil as Luis Suárez’s replacement but left the club in 2024. He is currently without a club, raising speculation about an impending retirement.
10. Memphis Depay
Once a prominent attacker for Atletico Madrid and the Netherlands, Depay moved to Corinthians in Brazil in 2024 after an underwhelming season in La Liga. His shift to South American football has significantly reduced his presence on the global football stage.
Conclusion
While some of these players retired, others moved to less prominent leagues or struggled with injuries. Their absence from top-tier football has made them seem like they disappeared. Who else do you think vanished from football in 2024?
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Thiago Alcantara
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
