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The Ultimate Football Encyclopedia: A Tribute to 1,000+ Retired Legends
Introduction
The history of football is a vast archive of talent. This encyclopedia serves as a definitive record of over 1,000 retired legends who transformed the game. For fans who want to connect this glorious past with today's live action, Football Legends Hub remains the premier destination for historical data and career retrospectives.
I. South American Titans (350+ Legends)
1. Brazil: The Land of 10-Number Geniuses
Brazil has produced more retired icons than any other nation. From the 1958 world champions to the 2002 "Pentacampeões."
Modern Retirees: Ronaldo Nazário, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká, Adriano, Robinho, Zé Roberto, Lúcio, Juninho Pernambucano, Gilberto Silva, Emerson.
2. Argentina: The Albi-Celeste Masters
Golden Era: Alfredo Di Stéfano, Omar Sívori, Antonio Rattín, Mario Kempes, Daniel Passarella, Osvaldo Ardiles, Ricardo Villa.
The Maradona Generation: Diego Maradona, Jorge Valdano, Jorge Burruchaga, Oscar Ruggeri, Sergio Batista, Claudio Caniggia.
The Modern Greats: Gabriel Batistuta, Hernán Crespo, Juan Román Riquelme, Javier Zanetti, Juan Sebastián Verón, Roberto Ayala, Pablo Aimar, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ezequiel Lavezzi.
3. Uruguay, Chile & Colombia
Uruguay: Juan Alberto Schiaffino, Alcides Ghiggia, Obdulio Varela, Enzo Francescoli, Diego Forlán, Diego Godín.
Chile: Elias Figueroa, Iván Zamorano, Marcelo Salas.
Colombia: Carlos Valderrama, René Higuita, Faustino Asprilla, Freddy Rincón.
The 1982 Heroes: Paolo Rossi, Gaetano Scirea, Marco Tardelli, Bruno Conti, Claudio Gentile, Franco Baresi.
The Modern Wall: Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, Roberto Baggio, Christian Vieri, Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele De Rossi.
2. Germany: The Teutonic Machines
The Legends: Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Sepp Maier, Paul Breitner, Günter Netzer, Uwe Seeler.
The 1990 Champions: Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann, Rudi Völler, Andreas Brehme, Matthias Sammer, Oliver Kahn.
21st Century Icons: Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Mesut Özil, Lukas Podolski.
3. England & The UK: The Founders
1966 Stars: Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Gordon Banks, Geoff Hurst.
The Modern Era: Kevin Keegan, Bryan Robson, Alan Shearer, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole.
France: Raymond Kopa, Just Fontaine, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Laurent Blanc, Didier Deschamps, Eric Cantona.
Spain: Luis Suárez, Emilio Butragueño, Fernando Hierro, Raúl, Iker Casillas, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol, David Villa, Xabi Alonso.
Netherlands: Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman, Dennis Bergkamp, Edwin van der Sar, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie.
III. Arab & African Pioneers (150+ Legends)
1. The Arab World: Legends of the Desert
Saudi Arabia: Majed Abdullah, Sami Al-Jaber, Saeed Al-Owairan, Mohamed Al-Deayea.
Icons: George Weah, Roger Milla, Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Yaya Touré, Rabah Madjer, Salif Keïta, Rashidi Yekini.
IV. The MLS & North American Journey
The growth of soccer in the USA was built by retired icons who joined the league to spark a revolution.
Historical Icons: Pelé (NY Cosmos), Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Giorgio Chinaglia.
The Modern Wave: David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Kaká, Wayne Rooney.
Explore the evolution of American soccer at MLS News Online.
Conclusion
This list of 1,000+ retired legends represents the soul of football. While they have left the pitch, their statistics and stories are preserved forever. As the game evolves, the gap between these legends and current stars is bridged by dedicated archives and live coverage platforms.
Wayne Rooney speaks out on returning to management as he lays out key conditions
One year on from his latest sacking, Wayne Rooney has lifted the lid on his intentions regarding a return to management, as well as other ventures he'd consider in future
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney refuses to close the door on his coaching career just yet. But he's set out certain conditions he would need to see fulfilled before considering a comeback.
His spells at Derby and DC United ended more amicably as he resigned and left by mutual agreement, respectively. The United icon hasn't given up hope on that side of his career just yet, however, and addressed the matter during a recent appearance on The Smith Bros YouTube channel.
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"I would, I definitely would if the right thing came up," said Rooney when propositioned regarding a return to management. "But I wouldn't put myself in situations like [when I lived] in DC, lived in Plymouth, lived in Birmingham, lived away and missed a lot of my kids' football and stuff.
"That means it has to be the right thing, and for it to be the right thing, and realistic as well. With the four jobs I've done, is that gonna come up? Which I doubt, so [a comeback becomes more complicated]..."
Rooney went on to acknowledge certain factors that have worked against him in previous posts. In particular, he noted budget constraints at Plymouth, as well as the added media scrutiny due to his name being associated.
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However, he was understanding of those points working against him and added: "At the minute, I'm happy just doing the TV work."
In addition to regular guest appearances on Match of the Day, Sky Sports and certain podcasts, Rooney has also launched his own channel. The Wayne Rooney Show launched in August 2025 and is another media commitment keeping the United icon busy during his time without a club.
As for other enterprises in sport that could tempt him back into competition, boxing could be an option. Rooney was involved in the sport as a hobby from a young age and hinted he could be tempted into the ring, as long as the money was right.
"I think I've missed the boat on that one," he said before giving the idea a little more thought. Do you know what? I'd never say never with it. It depends what offer's on the table."
That's the kind of content that not every football manager can say is available to the masses. However, Rooney will hope that's not the only thing setting him apart if he does make a return to the touchline.
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