César Azpilicueta, one of the most successful players in Chelsea’s history, announced on Friday that he will retire from football at the end of the season.
Azpilicueta became the first player to win it all during his eleven years at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. His thirteen major cup finals for Chelsea are also a club record.
Azpilicueta made 508 appearances for the Blues, the most by a non-English player in our history. He also captained the club for four years, having been appointed ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Azpilicueta, who won 44 caps for Spain, spent two years at Atletico Madrid after leaving the Blues. This season he played for Sevilla.
The 36-year-old wrote an open letter on his social media channels confirming his decision. It read: «Dear football player, today I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional football player. After so many years of living my dream, I think it is time to start a new chapter in my life.»
“To be honest, it was difficult for me to write this letter, even though I have been preparing for this moment. After twenty seasons, many people have played an important role in my career.
“When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my classmates, I never imagined the amazing journey that lay ahead of me. I am grateful for every moment: the victories, the tough losses, the challenges and, above all, the people I met and the friendships I made along the way.”
«To my teammates, coaches and every member of staff from all the clubs I have been fortunate to be a part of: thank you for helping me grow every day as a person and as a player. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC, and representing my country on the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me.»
Published on May 22, 2026
