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League: EPLSport: SoccerCountry: EnglandCategory: Scores & Results

Santi Cazorla retires from professional football after illustrious career

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 10:11 AM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Santi Cazorla retires from professional football after illustrious career
Summary

Santi Cazorla has announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a notable career. The veteran midfielder shared the decision through an emotional message on social media, expressing that it was one of the hardest choices of his career. Cazorla, who played for clubs including Villarreal, Málaga, and Arsenal, returned to Real Oviedo in his final chapter. He is celebrated for his role in the Spanish National Team's success and his remarkable recovery from a severe ankle injury. Tributes from teammates and fans have flooded social media in response to his farewell.

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By the Numbers
  • •Santi Cazorla retires officially from professional football.
  • •He played for Villarreal, Málaga, Arsenal, and Real Oviedo.
  • •Cazorla was part of Spain's golden era, winning two European Championships.
  • •He overcame a serious ankle injury that nearly ended his career.
  • •Social media responses show widespread tributes from fans and players.
Latest Updates
  • 6:50 PMYahoo Sports — “Everthing is ending” – Arsenal double winner announces retirement
  • 10:49 AMYahoo Sports — Former Arsenal, Spain midfielder Cazorla retires
  • 10:35 AMYahoo Sports — Former Arsenal fan-favourite announce his retirement
  • 10:14 AMYahoo Sports — 🚨 Santi Cazorla announces his retirement
  • 10:11 AMYahoo Sports — Farewell to a magician, Santi Cazorla retires from football 😢
What they're saying
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Former Arsenal and Spain playmaker Santi Cazorla retired from football at the age of 41 on Thursday after more than two decades in the game."Cazorla decided to come back earning the minimum salary allowed by the league and donated all his image rights to the club," said Oviedo in a statement Thursday.

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Former Gunner Santi Cazorla is retiring from professional football, announcing the decision on social media on Thursday morning.Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesPosting on his social media pages o...

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Santi Cazorla has officially announced his definitive retirement from professional football. The veteran midfielder from Asturias shared the most difficult decision of his career through an emotional ...

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