15 Most Emotional Farewell Matches Ever in Football History
Football's Emotional Final Whistles
Over the past two decades, football has seen several emotional farewells, with the 2021 departure of Lionel Messi from FC Barcelona, dominating global headlines. Beyond that high-profile exit, other legendary figures, including players like Steven Gerrard and managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson, also concluded their association with the sport.
Jurgen Klopp's last match as Liverpool manager
Jurgen Klopp's final match as Liverpool manager was an intensely emotional affair against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield in May 2024, which the team won 2-0. The entire day was a deeply moving tribute to his nine-year tenure, filled with tearful renditions of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', part of an unforgettable, extended farewell ceremony.
Toni Kroos and Marco Reus' last UCL match
German midfield icons Toni Kroos and Marco Reus played their final matches in Europe for Real Madrid and Dortmund, respectively, in the 2024 UCL final at the Wembley. It ended with Madrid defeating Dortmund 2-0, as Kroos provided the assist for the opening goal in his final club game before retirement, lifting his sixth UCL title.
Dirk Kuyt's last match for Feyenoord
One of the best remembered farewell's in football history, Dutchman Dirk Kuyt played his final match for Feyenoord against Heracles Almelo in 2017, which resulted in a historic 3-1 victory that secured the club's first Eredivisie title in 18 years. The 36-year-old veteran delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring a hat-trick in his last game.
Gianliugi Buffon's last match for Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon's last match for Juventus was an overwhelmingly emotional occasion against Hellas Verona in 2018, concluding a legendary 17-year tenure. Minutes into the second half, Buffon was substituted off in an emotional moment, so he could walk the entire length of the pitch and share a final, tearful farewell with the roaring home crowd.
Oliver Kahn's last match for Bayern Munich
German goal-keeping legend Oliver Kahn's final match for Bayern Munich, though an exhibition, was a unique and emotional farewell, that took place miles away from Germany, in the Indian city of Kolkata in 2008. The legendary goalkeeper was given a hero's reception by the passionate crowd of over 120,000 Indian fans, a tribute to his status.
Andres Iniesta's last match for Barcelona
One of the greatest midfielders of all time, Andres Iniesta played his final match for Barcelona, against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou in 2018, marking the end of his 22 years at the club. After being substituted off, Iniesta wept on the sidelines, later sitting alone on the center circle of the pitch barefoot, hours after the fans left the stadium.
Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm's last match for Bayern Munich
Two of Bayern Munich's pillars in the early 2010s, Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso played for the Bavarians against Freiburg in 2017, securing another Bundesliga title. The emotional peak came when both players were substituted off late in the game, prompting a massive, unified standing ovation from the Munich crowd.
Xavi's last match for Barcelona
Another La Masia icon, Xavi played his final match for Barcelona in the 2015 UCL final against Juventus, which the club won 3-1, securing a historic treble. The climax of his emotional farewell was seeing the club legend, who came on as a substitute, lift the Champions League trophy in his last competitive game for the Catalan team.
Steven Gerrard's last match for Liverpool
A one-club legend, Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard's final match at the Anfield was against Crystal Palace in 2015, which ended in a 3-1 defeat. Despite the disappointing result, the entire atmosphere was dedicated to celebrating Gerrard's 17-year legacy, as he receiving a prolonged guard of honour and a standing ovation from the crowd.
Diego Maradona's last match for Boca Juniors
1986 World Cup winner and one of the greatest footballers, Diego Maradona's farewell match for Boca Juniors was a star-studded affair in 2001, at the La Bombonera. The immense emotional climax was the sight of the legendary figure addressing the crowd, famously asking, 'La pelota no se mancha', related to his love for the game.
Francesco Totti's last match for Roma
Another one-club legend, Italian great Francesco Totti spent 25 years of his playing career at AS Roma, and with his final match coming against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico in 2017. The atmosphere was intensely emotional, culminating in a lengthy lap of honor where he struggled to contain his tears while reading a farewell letter to the fans.
Paolo Maldini's last match for AC Milan
After spending decades at AC Milan, club legend Paolo Maldini played his final match at the San Siro against Roma in 2009, which the Rossoneri lost 3-2. Despite a small minority of fans creating an unfortunate scene near the end, the vast majority gave the iconic captain a massive, tearful standing ovation, acknowledging his legacy.
Lionel Messi's last match for FC Barcelona
While Lionel Messi announced his Barcelona exit in a tearful press conference in 2021, he had played his final match against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou, where he scored his final goal for the club in a 2-1 win. He was struggling to speak as he left the club after 21 years due to financial rules, in a heartbreaking conclusion to his Barca career.
Zinedine Zidane's last match for Real Madrid
French icon Zinedine Zidane's final match for Real Madrid was a La Liga fixture against Villarreal at the Bernabeu in 2006, which ended in a 3-3 draw. The sight of him tearfully acknowledging the fans who famously unfurled a massive banner reading 'Merci Zizou', provided an unforgettable and moving send-off to the midfield maestro.
Sir Alex Ferguson's last match as Manchester United manager
Bringing an end to his 26-year dynasty, Sir Alex Ferguson's final match as Manchester United manager was a spectacular 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion in 2013. The day was an emotional tribute following his sudden retirement announcement, with the atmosphere focused on celebrating his legacy as the greatest football manager of all time.
