Sports breakdowns are very emotional and heartwarming, where adults cry like babies in front of thousands. From football fields to cricket pavilions, things are going in a trend. The emotional breakdowns of athletes and fans after any farewell or defeat become memories. Sports are always a reason for shattering more than they heal an individual.
At the end of the football season, we had one of the biggest emotional breakdowns. Despite the WC 26 being on the way, club football had a few major departures at the end of this season. From the seashores of English soil to the lush green Alps of Spain, a few of them departed with a perfect ending, winning something in their last season, while a few departed after disappointing seasons.
MO. Salah and Andrew Robertson – Liverpool FC
It was one of the biggest and most predicted moves, where last season it was clear that Mo. Salah will leave Liverpool really soon. The same thing happened this season, where it was confirmed that he is leaving at the end of the season. Mo. Salah had an incredible career at the English club, where he played 442 games with 257 goals and 123 assists. In terms of trophies, things are clear, with two English Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title.
While Andrew Robertson had a good season, being a core part of Liverpool winning major trophies. From two English Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League title. With 378 appearances, he contributed 14 goals and 69 assists. The era came to an end where these two legends walked away from Anfield for a new venture.
Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
Manchester City had a decent season; they won two more trophies. Unfortunately, they lost the Premier League title to Arsenal. It was a big loss, but not bigger than the loss of Pep Guardiola. Pep’s era defined Manchester City, giving them the status of one of the biggest clubs not only in England but also globally. In his ten years, City won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title. A career that people dreamed of having as a player, Pep achieved it as a coach. One of the aura-defining moments was winning four Premier League titles in four seasons.
For this aura-gaining venture, the crucial part was Pep’s squad. Following this venture, one of the first-year signings that lasted at City was John Stones. But with Pep’s departure, the center-back is leaving as well.
During his ten seasons at Manchester City, John Stones won six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title. He featured in 294 games for City, scored 19 times, and assisted 9 times. He was one of the crucial defenders for Pep’s City that made history.
Bernardo Silva was one of the vital players for Pep for years. He joined City in 2017 for 43 million from Monaco. The City captain won multiple titles for the club, with 460 appearances, 69 goals, and 62 assists. A nine-year tenure at City, from being second to David Silva to becoming club captain. He was one of the vital players in City’s UCL title campaign.
Dani Carvajal and David Alaba- Real Madrid
Real Madrid had a terrible season, where they went two seasons trophy-less. Madrid, advertised as Galactico 3.0, failed. This brought an end to two legends at the club, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.
Dani Carvajal was a player who joined Real Madrid in 2013 from Leverkusen. The Spanish legend spent 13 years there, winning six UCLs, four Spanish league titles, and two Spanish Cups. A career-defined legacy at Madrid, the Spanish right-back appeared 451 times. Carvajal faced injuries in his last season at the club, and his career ended at Madrid.
David Alaba is the second one leaving Madrid, having joined in 2021 from Bayern Munich. A short career of five years did not go as expected. Five seasons and just 131 appearances for the club were concerned. Alaba faced consistent injuries that restricted him from performing at Madrid. This season marked the end of Alaba’s career at Madrid.
Robert Lewandowski – FC Barcelona
In this list, Robert Lewandowski was one of the players who had the least amount of time. But he earned so much love and respect at FC Barcelona. He joined FCB at the worst time, joining at the peak of his career at a club that was not able to pay his fee. It was a gamble for Robert to join FCB despite having approaches from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. He won three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and a Spanish Cup. A total of seven trophies at FCB in just four years. An incredible tenure is about to end, as he is leaving FCB now.
Every ending is the start of a new beginning; these players will be replaced by others. But the emotions connected with these breakdowns will remain in our hearts forever.