Fernando Llorente, the Spanish forward who climbed to world champion status with Spain in South Africa 2010, steps away from professional football at 38 after an 18-year journey that left a lasting mark on multiple top clubs. His ascent began in the youth ranks of Athletic Club, where he developed the tools that would take him to Juventus, Sevilla, Swansea, Tottenham, Napoli, Udinese, and Eibar.
“I dreamed of being a football player since I was little. Who would have imagined that I could enjoy and live every moment football offered?” That reflection opens a four-minute montage of his most memorable goals, paired with a personal note he shared across Spanish, Italian, and English social channels. It is a reminder of a career built on patience, determination, and a love for the sport that never faded.
Thank you for being a part of my dream is the message that accompanied the clip, a sentiment echoed in the social post that closed with a concise expression of gratitude. The post captures the long arc of a career defined by perseverance and affection for the game, and a sense of gratitude for the people who stood beside him along the way.
The former striker has spoken openly about the two decades that followed his arrival in professional football, describing them as a long road filled with work, sacrifice, humility, and passion. He has spoken about the pride he felt in competing for some of the biggest clubs in world football and about always giving his best, no matter the stage or the opponent. The message underscores how joy and challenge can coexist in a sport that rewards both effort and consistency.
In a reflective note, Llorente thanked everyone who provided opportunities and the fans who offered unwavering support through the years. The La Rioja native has often described himself as lucky to have lived through so many memorable moments, meeting remarkable teammates and mentors who shaped his perspective on football and life. His closing words were simple and heartfelt: thank you.
Llorente began training within Athletic Club’s youth system at age 11. He made his senior debut for the Basque side in January 2005 and went on to spend nine seasons with the club. Over that period, he appeared in 333 matches and found the back of the net 112 times, a record that helped him secure a move away from Bilbao when the club decided not to renew his contract in 2013.
The move to Juventus proved transformative. He collected multiple titles during a prolific spell in Turin, including two league titles, a domestic cup, and two Italian Super Cups. In 2015, he joined Sevilla, where he played a pivotal role in securing the club’s 2016 Europa League triumph, adding another major European trophy to his résumé.
The journey then shifted to the Premier League era with Swansea City (2016-2017) and Tottenham Hotspur (2017-2019). He returned to Italy with Napoli, where he helped the club lift domestic silverware and continued to influence games with his experience and understanding of the European game. A season at Udinese followed, marking another chapter in a career defined by adaptability and consistency.
Llorente’s most recent professional chapter came in the Spanish Segunda División with Eibar, where he played 22 matches and scored twice. His final competitive contribution came in the promotion playoff against Girona on June 5, 2022, at Ipurua—an emblematic moment that capped a long and storied career.
Across national team duties, Llorente earned 24 caps for Spain, contributing seven goals as part of a squad that celebrated European and world success. He was a member of the Spain squad that triumphed at the 2012 European Championship and contributed to the team’s run in the 2012 European Championship, leaving a legacy as a reliable forward who could affect games in key moments. [Citation: Career records and club history, Football Archives]