Sports

The Footballers Who Came Out of Retirement and Shocked the World

Published

4 months ago

October 15, 2025

In football, retirement is often seen as the end, the final whistle that signals the conclusion of a player’s story. But as we’ve seen time and again, some legends simply refuse to fade quietly into the sunset. Whether driven by love for the game, national pride, or the irresistible lure of competition, several footballers have made the dramatic decision to lace up their boots again after calling it quits.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Some returns have been glorious, reviving careers and inspiring nations; others, not so much, offering a sobering reminder that time, indeed, waits for no one.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable, and unforgettable, football comebacks in history.
1. Zinedine Zidane (2005–2006)

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When Zinedine Zidane retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2004, it felt final. He had achieved everything, World Cup winner, European champion, Ballon d’Or recipient, and one of the most gifted midfielders ever. Yet in 2005, France was struggling to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, and the team’s spirit looked broken. Zidane answered the call of his country, announcing his return to lead Les Bleus once more.

The result was magical. Zidane captained France to the 2006 World Cup final, won the tournament’s Golden Ball, and reminded the world why he was still football’s grand maestro. His career ended dramatically with that infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi, but even so, his comeback remains one of football’s greatest redemption tales.
2. Paul Scholes (2012)

Manchester United fans thought they’d seen the last of Paul Scholes in 2011 when he retired after a glittering career filled with trophies. But just six months later, with United struggling with injuries, Sir Alex Ferguson made a phone call that changed everything. Scholes returned in January 2012, quietly registering again as a player and stepping right back into midfield like he’d never left.

He dictated play with his trademark vision and calmness, helping United challenge for the English Premier League title. His second spell proved that class truly is permanent. Scholes finally retired for good in 2013, this time on his own terms, and with even more admiration from fans and teammates alike.
3. Roger Milla – (1990)

No comeback story in football history is more romantic than Roger Milla’s. The Cameroonian striker had retired from international football in 1987 at the age of 35. But ahead of the 1990 World Cup, President Paul Biya personally urged him to return, and the rest is history.

At 38, Milla became a global sensation, scoring four goals and celebrating each with his iconic corner-flag dance. He led Cameroon to the quarter-finals, the first African team ever to do so. Remarkably, he came back again for the 1994 World Cup at age 42, becoming the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history. A true symbol of African pride and timeless passion.
4. Arjen Robben (2020)

After retiring in 2019 following an illustrious spell at Bayern Munich, Arjen Robben seemed content to step away from the professional game. But a year later, sentiment called him home. In 2020, he came out of retirement to play for his boyhood club, FC Groningen.

Although injuries restricted him to just a few appearances, the emotional return was about more than football, it was about gratitude, loyalty, and the joy of ending where it all began. Robben’s comeback may have been brief, but it reminded fans that passion for the game never fades, even for the most decorated professionals.
5. Lionel Messi (2016)

After Argentina’s heartbreaking Copa América defeat in 2016, Lionel Messi shocked the world by announcing his international retirement. The greatest player of his generation felt defeated by years of near-misses. But the global outpouring of emotion, from fans, teammates, and even political leaders, convinced him to return just weeks later.

Messi’s decision changed everything. He led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021, ending the nation’s 28-year trophy drought, and then to World Cup triumph in 2022. His brief “retirement” became a defining chapter in one of football’s most inspiring stories, proof that sometimes walking away helps you rediscover your true love for the game.
6. Henrik Larsson (2006)

Sweden’s Henrik Larsson retired from international football after Euro 2004, but when his nation needed him for the 2006 World Cup, he couldn’t say no. His leadership and experience lifted Sweden, and even at 34, his touch, movement, and eye for goal were as sharp as ever.

Larsson’s comeback showed a professionalism and humility that defined his career. It was less about personal glory and more about duty, the kind of selfless decision that earns respect long after the boots are hung up.
7. Jens Lehmann (2011)

In 2011, Arsenal found themselves in an unexpected goalkeeping crisis. Out of options, Arsène Wenger turned to Jens Lehmann, who had retired the year before. At 41, Lehmann signed a short-term deal to help the Gunners finish the season, and ended up playing one last Premier League match against Blackpool.

It was a short but symbolic return, the kind of professional gesture that summed up Lehmann’s fiery competitiveness and commitment to his former club.
8. Carlos Tevez (2022)

After hanging up his boots in 2022, Carlos Tevez couldn’t resist the pull of the pitch for long. A year later, he returned briefly as player-coach for Rosario Central, combining management with playing duties. It was a testament to his warrior mentality, a career built on grit, hunger, and that signature passion that defined his time with Manchester United, City, and Juventus.

While it wasn’t the most glamorous comeback, it showed the unbreakable connection between a player and the game that made him who he is.

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Sports

Not Arsenal: Semi Ajayi’s old club target Super Eagles star Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 week ago

January 26, 2026

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Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a top target for Championship side West Bromwich Albion, Soccernet.ng reports.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Baggies are looking to bolster their midfield during the January window to sustain their push for promotion to the Premier League.

Currently, West Brom find themselves in 19 position on the Championship table, but they are looking to plug the holes in the team.

Asides from their defensive concerns, the Baggies have struggled for creativity and clinical finishing in the final third.

With 32 goals in 29 games, their output is among the lowest in the top 20 teams. However, with 17 games remaining, the club remains firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot.

According to West Brom Xtra, the club has identified Dele-Bashiru as a key target to solve these issues.

The Super Eagles star is a dynamic attacking midfielder known for his high work rate and ability to contribute goals from deep. His arrival would provide a significant boost to Carlos Corberán’s squad.

Why It Will Be Tough To Get Dele-Bashiru’s Signature
While Dele-Bashiru would be a massive coup for West Brom, getting a deal will be complicated. He is currently on the books at Serie A side Lazio, and the 24-year-old has experienced a turbulent tenure since arriving in Italy two years ago.

Dele-Bashiru has endured inconsistent playing time due to a combination of tactical shifts and minor injuries.

Under manager Maurizio Sarri, he has struggled to cement himself as an indispensable member of the starting XI.

The main challenge for West Brom will likely be in the prestige gap; moving from a top-tier Italian side to the English second tier is often viewed as a step down.

However, the lure of regular football and a path back to the Premier League could be persuasive.

Financially, the deal is feasible. Dele-Bashiru is valued between €7–10 million, which is an okay price point for the Baggies.

If the move materializes, he will join the list of Super Eagles stars to have represented the club, including Semi Ajayi and the legendary Peter Odemwingie.

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Sports

La Liga: Akor Adams surpasses Rashidi Yekini as Sevilla climb away from trouble

Published

1 week ago

January 26, 2026

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Adams Akor broke new ground in Nigerian football history on Saturday night as his penalty helped Sevilla to a 2-1 comeback win over Athletic Club and secured the club’s first La Liga victory of 2026, Soccernet.ng reports.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Super Eagles striker struck in the second half at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán to take his personal tally in Spain’s top flight to six goals, a figure that now places him 11th on the list of Nigeria’s all-time La Liga scorers.

It was Adams’ third goal in two matches since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria claim the bronze medal, and another reminder of his growing importance to Matías Almeyda’s side.

More significantly, the goal carried historical weight. With six La Liga strikes, Adams has now moved ahead of legendary Super Eagles forward Rashidi Yekini, who scored three times in the competition, and has also overtaken the marks set by Bartholomew Ogbeche (three) and Christantus Uche (five).

While Adams still has a long way to go to threaten the towering figures of Christopher Ohenhen (48 goals), Finidi George (43) and Ikechukwu Uche (43), his steady progress is a pointer to how quickly he is carving out his own place in Nigerian football’s European story.

Comeback win lifts Akor Adams’ Sevilla up the table
The match itself was a tight, nervy affair between two sides separated by little in the table.

Athletic Club struck first in the 40th minute through Robert Navarro, but Sevilla hit back almost immediately when Gerard Fernández levelled the score just two minutes later to send both teams into the break on equal terms.

Ten minutes after the restart came the decisive moment. Yuri Berchiche was penalised for a handball in the box, and after a VAR check confirmed the offence, Adams stepped up and calmly rolled the penalty into the bottom-left corner to complete the turnaround.

Athletic Club pushed hard for an equaliser, but Sevilla held their shape and saw out the contest, condemning the visitors to their seventh away defeat in 11 league matches this season.

The victory lifts Sevilla above Athletic into 11th place. Both sides are now on 24 points after 21 games, but Sevilla’s superior goal difference gives them the edge and, crucially, leaves them five points clear of the relegation zone.

For Adams, it also marks his most productive La Liga campaign so far, matching the momentum he showed during the 2023-24 season at Montpellier, when he scored eight league goals.

Sevilla now travel to face Mallorca on Monday, February 2, while Athletic Club turn their attention to Europe, hosting Sporting CP in the Champions League.

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Sports

WATCH: Victor Osimhen sets new Galatasaray milestone in Fatih Karagumruk win

Published

1 week ago

January 26, 2026

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Victor Osimhen became the fastest player to reach 50 goals in Galatasaray’s history as the Turkish champions claimed a 3-1 away win at Fatih Karagumruk on Saturday night, Soccernet.ng reports.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Nigeria striker reached the landmark in just 59 appearances when he scored the third goal of the game, capping another strong display from the league leaders.

Victor Osimhen’s latest strike also confirmed his growing status as one of the most important players in the club’s recent history.

Galatasaray went into the match looking to protect their lead at the top of the Super Lig and made the perfect start. Inside the opening minute, Gabriel Sara punished a mistake from the home side while they tried to play out from defence, calmly finishing to give the visitors an early advantage.

Karagumruk struggled to create chances but made the most of their best moment in the first half. In the 27th minute, Serginho led a quick counter-attack before squaring the ball for Kalayci, who curled a fine shot into the top corner to level the score with what turned out to be the hosts’ only effort on target before the break.

Victor Osimhen seals victory and makes history
Galatasaray came out with more control after half-time and soon regained the lead. A patient move ended with Rolland Sallai sending in a cross, and Gabriel Sara arrived at the right time to head home his second goal of the night and make it 2-1.

Four minutes later, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived. Osimhen controlled a cross from Gündoğan with his chest inside the box and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net. It was his 50th goal for the club and one that put the result beyond doubt.

The win keeps Galatasaray top of the Super Lig table with 46 points, four clear of second-placed Fenerbahçe, who still have a game in hand. Karagumruk, meanwhile, remain bottom of the standings with just nine points from 19 matches.

Osimhen’s goal was his seventh in the league this season and his 13th in all competitions in 18 appearances. Last season, he scored 37 goals in 41 games and played a key role as Galatasaray won both the Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup. Once again, he proved he is a player who delivers on the biggest nights.