Alvaro González ends football career with retirement announcement

Spanish defender Alvaro González, 36, announced his retirement from professional football in an Instagram video. In the message he thanked his family, coaches and fans, saying, "Dear football, I never imagined the moment to say goodbye. Thank you for every victory and defeat."

González’s career included spells at Real Zaragoza, RCD Espanyol, Villarreal CF and Olympique de Marseille, where he played from 2019 to 2022 and served as a key defensive figure. He finished his playing days with a season at CD Tenerife in Spain’s second division before deciding to retire.

The announcement was shared on social media and marked the end of a career that spanned more than a decade across Spain and France.