OFFICIAL: Legendary Edinson Cavani announces retirement

At 38 years old, Edinson Cavani says goodbye to football with remarkable composure, ending almost twenty years of elite competition and a career forged through discipline, resilience, and a natural scoring ability.

Edinson Cavani has formally declared his retirement, closing the chapter on the illustrious career of one of the finest strikers of his generation.

The announcement was posted by the Uruguayan forward on social media with brief but heartfelt words, reflecting the calm and principled demeanor that has defined his entire career. Cavani affirmed that he leaves football peacefully, confident that he gave his all in every training session and match:

“Football has shaped who I am, challenged me, taught me to rise after every fall, and cherish every step of the journey. Thanks to football, I turned childhood dreams that once seemed impossible into reality. I want to express my gratitude to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans from every country where I played.”

Cavani’s career began at Danubio in Uruguay before he made a strong impression at Palermo. However, the real turning point came when he joined Napoli. There, Cavani quickly became an icon with an astonishing goal-scoring record, winning the Serie A top scorer title in the 2012-2013 season and establishing himself as one of Europe’s premier strikers. This form paved the way for a record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

During his time at PSG, Cavani reached the peak of his career. He won numerous domestic titles, was Ligue 1’s top scorer twice, and became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer until Kylian Mbappe surpassed his record.

Although later playing for Manchester United, Valencia, and finishing his career at Boca Juniors, Cavani maintained the image of a professional player, serious and always putting the team before himself.

At the national team level, Cavani scored 58 goals in 136 appearances for Uruguay, playing a major role in winning the 2011 Copa America and reaching the 2010 World Cup semifinals. He was never the loudest name but always an essential part of Uruguay’s golden generation.

Cavani was never considered a flashy striker. His value lay in his off-ball movement, positioning, and near-perfect discipline in his playstyle. He willingly took on the unseen tasks, created space for teammates, and bore the frontline pressure. This enabled him to survive and score across various leagues, from Serie A, Ligue 1, Premier League to South American football.

Cavani’s retirement at 38, without any grand declarations, is a fitting end for a classic center forward. He leaves the field still embodying professional qualities and leaving behind a quiet but enduring legacy. In today’s ever-changing modern football, Cavani’s departure also marks the farewell to the archetype of a hardworking, efficient striker who stayed true to the core values of the game.