Check out important facts about Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Usain Bolt and 3 other top sports celebrities that retired in 2017 (photos)

macfranc007 December 16, 2017 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Ibitoye Shittu

The year 2017 is gradually coming to an end, but there are many things that happened this year in the world of sports that many sports lovers will find it hard to forget.

It is on record that Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi got married this year to his childhood lover, while it will also not be forgotten that Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo won his 5th Ballon D'Or award this year.

Many Nigerian football lovers are still celebrating the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia which also happened in 2017.

However, our focus will be on the top sports athletes who retired in the year 2017, and here we bring you former Super Eagles star Yakubu Aiyegbeni and others who retired this year.

1. Yakubu Aiyegbeni

On November 22, 2017, former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni announced his retirement from football the same day the former Everton striker clocked 35.

Yakubu played for many clubs in England and he would ever be remembered for his miss for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the 2010 World Cup against South Korea.

The former Leicester City and Everton striker earned 57 caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria scoring 21 goals.

Sports athletes that retired in the year 2017

Former Super Eagles star Yakubu Aiyegbeni (photo: Mirror)

2. Usain Bolt

Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt is regarded as the greatest sprinter in modern times considering the success he achieved before he retired.

The 31-year-old announced his retirement on August 14, 2017 as his successful career came to a close at the World Championships in London.

Usain Bolt (photo: Metro)

3. Andrea Pirlo

After a trophy laden 22-year career, Italian football legend Andre Pirlo announced his retirement from football on November 6, 2017 and MLS side New York City FC was the last club he played for.

He helped Juventus win four successive Serie A titles after joining them in 2011 having previously spent a decade at Milan with whom he claimed a host of trophies including winning two Champions Leagues, Serie A twice, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo (photo: River Blue

4. Frank Lampard

Englishman Frank Lampard remains Chelsea'a all-time highest goalscorer with 211 goals as he played for the club for 13 years before he hanged his boots on February 2, 2017.

During his 21-year professional career, the 39-year-old made 649 appearances for Chelsea and won 106 England caps.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard (photo: Sun)

5. Xabi Alonso

Former Spanish international Xabi Alonso is also among the top athletes that retired in the year 2017 after 17-year career.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star enjoyed a glittering career that saw him win four League titles and the Champions League twice.