Chilean legend and La Liga stalwart Claudio Bravo has announced his retirement at the age of 41, after a trophy-laden career. Making his debut at the age of 20 for Colo Colo, Bravo’s career would go on for more than two decades, playing in Spain and England.
Bravo joined Real Sociedad in 2006, and became captain at the Reale Arena, leading them back into La Liga and into the Champions League, before Barcelona came calling in 2014. He would be part of the treble-winning side under Luis Enrique, remaining their for two seasons, although never playing in the Champions League.
“I’m going to quit professional football,” Bravo commented, as quoted by Relevo. “It’s time to close a very important cycle in my life and begin another stage that will surely be just as successful.”
MUCHAS GRACIAS! @ColoColo @RealSociedad @FCBarcelona_es @ManCity @RealBetis @LaRoja 🫡 pic.twitter.com/xgUDK8zVz8
— Claudio Bravo Muñoz (@C1audioBravo) August 27, 2024
At that point, Pep Guardiola recruited him for Manchester City, and he would be there for four years, despite losing his starting spot after his first year there. He would win two Premier Leagues and eight trophies in total there though, before returning to Spain to play for Real Betis. At the Benito Villamarin, he divided duties with Rui Silva under compatriot Manuel Pellegrini, helping Betis back into regular European competition and lifting a Copa del Rey.
Vitor Roque broke down in tears during his final training session. Everything he had been going through was building up, and he just couldn't hold it in any longer. @Mariio_RB
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 27, 2024
On the international stage, he also excelled. Picking up a Zamora award at Barcelona, Bravo also won Chilean footballer of the year twice in 2009 and 2015, and goalkeeper of the year in 2015 and 2017. He was also captain when Chile secured an historic Copa America double in 2015 and 2016.
