Best XI of Football Stars Who Have Retired in 2023 Featuring Bale, Hazard and Ozil

• Eden Hazard joined a host of top football stars who retired from professional football in 2023
• The former Chelsea winger announced his retirement via an emotional Instagram post
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mesut Ozil, and Gareth Bale are among the legendary players who called time on their careers this year

This year has seen a string of legendary football stars call time on their illustrious careers.

Eden Hazard recently became the latest high-profile footballer to retire from the game aged just 32.

In an emotional message posted on his Instagram account, the Chelsea legend revealed that he felt it was the 'right time' to stop.

Hazard's surprise announcement came weeks after he departed Real Madrid following an underwhelming campaign with the La Liga giants.

The winger effectively joined a host of other football icons who have retired in 2023, including the likes of Mesut Ozil and Gareth Bale.

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Sports Brief now takes a look at the best XI of football stars who retired in 2023.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon

The legendary Italian goalkeeper announced his retirement in August, aged 45, after a glorious career.

According to The Guardian, Buffon enjoyed a successful football journey spanning 28 years that saw him win multiple honours and titles.

Defence: Diego Godin, Miranda, Sime Vrsaljko

The trio are among the highest-profile defenders to retire this year.

Godin ended his playing career aged 37 back in July, with former Brazil centre-back Miranda announcing his retirement in January.

On his part, Vrsaljko retired from international football in 2023, aged just 31.

Midfielders: Joaquin, Cesc Fabregas, Lucas Leiva, Mesut Ozil

A number of midfielders have called time on their playing career in 2023.

Spain legend Joaquin, Cesc Fabregas, and former Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil headline the list.

Leiva is the other legendary midfielder who also bowed out.

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Forwards: Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement aged 41 in June.

His retirement came after a trophy-laden career with several top European clubs, including AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Barcelona.

On his part, Bale announced he would not continue playing in January at the age of 33.

Bale's most successful career stint came with Real Madrid.

Bruno pays tribute to Hazard

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent Eden Hazard a classy message following the winger's decision to retire from active football.

Fernandes is among a host of football stars who have paid tribute to Hazard following his surprise announcement.