César Azpilicueta announces football retirement

César Azpilicueta said on May 22 that he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2025-26 season, closing a career that began with Osasuna in 2007 and later took him to Marseille, Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla. Sevilla said the 36-year-old defender announced his decision on Thursday and will play his final match on Saturday at Balaídos. Chelsea, where Azpilicueta spent 11 seasons and served as captain, said he leaves as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. Basque outlet KIROLAK reported the Navarre-born defender’s retirement on May 22. ### What exactly did Azpilicueta announce? Azpilicueta wrote in an open letter that “this season will be my last as a professional footballer,” according to Chelsea’s official site. He said he felt it was “time to start a new chapter” after 20 seasons in the game. Sevilla said the announcement came on May 21 and described Saturday’s trip to Balaídos as his last appearance for the club. (sevillafc.es) The Spanish side said Azpilicueta joined in the summer of 2025 and made 16 appearances this season, with one assist. ### Which clubs did his career cover? (chelseafc.com) Osasuna was Azpilicueta’s starting point in top-flight football, with KIROLAK reporting that he debuted in 2007 for the Navarre club. Chelsea reproduced Azpilicueta’s own list of clubs in his farewell message: CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC. (sevillafc.es) Sevilla said Azpilicueta’s professional career spanned more than 800 matches and included time with Osasuna, Olympique de Marseille, Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and the Spain national team. Chelsea said he also won 44 caps for Spain. ### Why is Chelsea such a large part of the story? (chelseafc.com) Chelsea said Azpilicueta played 508 matches for the club between 2012 and 2023, the most by a non-English player in its history. The club said he spent four years as captain after being appointed before the 2018-19 campaign. The London club said Azpilicueta became its first player to “win it all,” listing the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. (sevillafc.es) Sevilla also singled out the 2021 Champions League final in Porto, when Azpilicueta captained Chelsea to victory over Manchester City, as the defining moment of his career. (chelseafc.com) ### What did he say about the career he is leaving? Pamplona featured prominently in Azpilicueta’s farewell message. Chelsea quoted him saying that when he first kicked a ball there as a child, he “never imagined the amazing journey ahead.” Azpilicueta thanked teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and family in the same letter. (chelseafc.com) Chelsea quoted him saying that wearing the shirts of Osasuna, Marseille, Chelsea, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla, and representing Spain “has been a true privilege.” ### What happens next? Saturday is the next fixed date in the story. (chelseafc.com) Sevilla said Azpilicueta’s final match will come at Balaídos, where the club is due to close its season with his last appearance in its colors. (sevillafc.es)