Retirement news — SportsCatch

Antonio Rattín, whose 1966 World Cup defiance sparked red and yellow cards, dies at 89

Argentine football legend Antonio Rattín has died at 89. The former Boca Juniors captain's infamous dismissal at the 1966 World Cup quarterfinal against England directly led FIFA to introduce the red and yellow card system still used today.

Football Jul 12

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25 days after World Cup

Jayden Adams, who represented South Africa in all three of their 2026 World Cup group stage matches, has died aged 25. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder passed away on Saturday, prompting tributes from across the football world.

Football Jul 11

Alonso admits he has 'no idea' what comes next when he eventually leaves F1

Fernando Alonso says he has made no plans for life after Formula 1, with the 44-year-old Aston Martin driver still undecided on his future ahead of an expected announcement around the summer break.

Formula 1 Jul 10

Sadio Mané's international retirement with Senegal was an AI-generated hoax

Multiple media outlets reported Friday an international retirement announcement from Sadio Mané following Senegal's elimination by Belgium at the 2026 World Cup. It was fake news produced by artificial intelligence, debunked by journalist Malang Sané of Sport News Africa.

Football Jul 10

Sadio Mané announces international retirement after Senegal's World Cup elimination

With 54 goals in 130 caps, Sadio Mané announced Thursday his international retirement following Senegal's 2-3 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Al Nasser forward does not rule out returning one day as head coach.

Football Jul 10

Adesanya splits from City Kickboxing after four straight losses seeking fresh start

Israel Adesanya has parted ways with Auckland's City Kickboxing, the gym that shaped his career since 2009. The former UFC middleweight champion announced the split on May 20, citing a need for personalised, individual coaching after four consecutive defeats.

MMA Jul 10

Retired Lioness Jill Scott urges under-16 social media ban: 'Swap screens for sport'

Former England midfielder Jill Scott, who earned 161 caps across an 18-year career, has backed government plans to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s, arguing that sport provides the human connection and mental health benefits that endless scrolling cannot.

Football Jul 9

Pato O'Ward walks away from Formula 1 ambitions to commit fully to IndyCar

Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward has declared he is no longer interested in a Formula 1 reserve role, saying he has asked to be released from all F1 obligations and is fully focused on IndyCar, where he is contracted through at least 2027.

Formula 1 Jul 9

Neymar weighs full retirement within days after Brazil's World Cup exit to Norway

Neymar has confirmed he is retiring from international football after Brazil were eliminated in the last 16 by an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway at the World Cup. Reports in Brazil now suggest the 34-year-old is also considering ending his club career entirely.

Football Jul 8

Schmeichel warns Ronaldo facing 'really difficult' reality after Portugal's World Cup exit

Kasper Schmeichel says Cristiano Ronaldo will struggle to accept the end of his international career after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The 41-year-old hinted this was his final World Cup but has not committed to full retirement.

Football Jul 8

Poirier open to UFC return for McGregor fourth fight or long-awaited Diaz bout

Dustin Poirier, who retired after a loss to Max Holloway last year, says he remains under UFC contract and would end his retirement for the right opponent — naming Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz as the fights that could lure him back.

MMA Jul 7

Ronaldo confirms his last World Cup after Spain's stoppage-time winner ends Portugal's run

Cristiano Ronaldo has signalled the end of his international career after Spain substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute to eliminate Portugal from the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, with Ronaldo saying he leaves 'with a clear conscience' having guided the country to three trophies.

Football Jul 7

Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup was his last as Portugal's future hangs in the balance

Cristiano Ronaldo said the 2026 World Cup was definitively his last after Portugal's 1-0 round-of-16 defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas, but left his broader international future unresolved, saying he will 'have time to think'.

Football Jul 7

Ronaldo ends his final World Cup as Portugal fall 1-0 to Spain at 41

Cristiano Ronaldo started and played all 90 minutes as Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup by Spain, who won 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. At 41, it is widely expected to be Ronaldo's last appearance in an international tournament.

Football Jul 6

Ronaldo in tears as Merino's stoppage-time goal ends Portugal's World Cup and his international career

Cristiano Ronaldo's 23-year international career ended in heartbreak as Mikel Merino's stoppage-time header gave Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16, eliminating the five-time Ballon d'Or winner from his final tournament.

Football Jul 6

Demian Maia open to one last UFC fight but names Diaz brothers and GSP as dream grappling opponents

Demian Maia, 48, says he would consider a final UFC bout if the promotion offered a meaningful fight in a city like Rio de Janeiro or Las Vegas, while also revealing the Diaz brothers and Georges St-Pierre as his preferred grappling opponents.

MMA Jul 6

World Cup winner Ponsonby among 17 players leaving Trailfinders Women this summer

Trailfinders Women have confirmed 17 departures following their PWR Final defeat to Saracens, including Black Ferns World Cup winner Georgia Ponsonby, club captain Kate Zackary, and six other internationals.

Rugby Jul 6

Ochoa retires in tears at the Azteca as 10-man England stun Mexico 3-2 at World Cup

Guillermo Ochoa confirmed his immediate retirement after Mexico's 3-2 last-16 defeat to England at the Azteca Stadium, ending a 23-year career that included 153 caps and six World Cup appearances.

Football Jul 6

Neymar ends international career in tears after Brazil's World Cup elimination

Eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by Norway (1-2) at MetLife Stadium, Brazil loses more than a match: Neymar, 34, announced the end of his international career, remaining the Seleção's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals.

Football Jul 6

Neymar retires from Brazil duty after Norway knock Seleção out of World Cup

Neymar announced his international retirement on Sunday after Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup 2-1 by Norway at MetLife Stadium — the same venue where he made his debut for the Seleção 15 years ago.

Football Jul 6