The year 2023 has brought forth an abundance of retirements in several sports as many stars bid adieu for various reasons. From AFL superstars like Buddy Franklin and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt to NRL champions Wade Graham and James Tamou, 2023 has seen a vast array of athletes stepping down from their respective games. With international football sensations like Mesut Ozil, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Gareth Bale retiring as well, it’s an end of an era across numerous sports.
Over the course of the year, Australian cricketer Aaron Finch retired from international cricket, while legends like Michael Hooper, Quade Cooper, Brodie Retallick, and Aaron Smith also decided to bring their illustrious careers to a graceful close. Away from the fields, Sam Stosur made a quiet but stylish exit from tennis, Rafael Nadal announced his future retirement, and NFL legend Tom Brady chose to retire at the age of 45 after a highly successful sporting career.
As the year comes to a close, the sporting world has witnessed the departure of numerous icons who have left an indelible mark on their respective games, and their absence will surely be felt in the years to come.