Leonardo Bonucci, Italy and Juventus legend, announces retirement at 36


Retiring at the end of next season, Italy and Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci will conclude his 18-year football career.

The 36-year-old defender, renowned for his collection of trophies, has left an indelible mark as an Italian and Juventus icon.

Bonucci aspires to clinch the Europa League with Juventus this season before heading into his final professional campaign.

Marking his 500th Juventus appearance in an interview series with the club’s YouTube channel, Bonucci confirms his retirement in 2024.

Reflecting on the influence of former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Bonucci lays out his plan to exit the game after a remarkable tenure at Juventus.

‘When I stop playing next year, it will be the end of a defensive era, a way of defending Italian style,’ Bonucci said.

‘It’s a source of pride to be up there with the greatest. I hope lots of future defenders, just as we had Baresi, Maldini, Nesta, Cannavaro, will see us four as idols.

‘It would mean we have achieved a lot and given the game a lot,’ he added.

Bonucci made his debut for Juventus back in 2010, thrust into the starting line-up for a Europa League game against Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers.

Since then, he has amassed 500 appearances for the Italian giants, with his most recent outing coming as a substitute in a recent draw with Sevilla.

Forming a legendary Italy and Juventus defense alongside centre-back partner Giorgio Chiellini, who departed Juventus last year to continue his playing career in the MLS.

Bonucci has secured the Italian top-flight championship eight times with Juventus, along with four Italian Cups and five Super Cups during a highly successful spell at the club.


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