Farewell, goal machine! Ciro Immobile retires after a remarkable career

Ciro Immobile announces his retirement at the age of 36

Ciro Immobile has decided to bring the curtain down on a career spanning two decades. A European champion with Italy, a European Golden Shoe winner and a four-time Serie A top scorer, the striker retires at the age of 36 after recording 350 goals in 656 professional appearances.

The Italian’s final spell was with Paris FC, which he joined last winter. The French club is owned by the Arnault family, one of the best-known and most influential names in the global luxury industry.

Visibly emotional as he announced his decision, Immobile admitted that walking away from football was far from easy.

“It's a difficult moment, but I loved football,” the Italian striker said.

From Sorrento to the Juventus academy

Ciro Immobile leaves behind a career that began 20 years ago with Sorrento in Serie C. His attacking qualities quickly caught the attention of Juventus, and the striker joined the Turin club’s academy before making his Serie A debut for the Bianconeri.

His path to recognition was not straightforward, however. In search of experience and regular playing time, Immobile continued his development in Serie B, where he represented Grosseto and Pescara.

At Pescara, he was part of a remarkable generation alongside Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne. Under coach Zdeněk Zeman, the team played spectacular attacking football and secured promotion to Serie A. Immobile’s goals during that campaign established him as one of Italy’s most promising young strikers.

Torino opened the door to Europe’s major leagues

After his spell at Genoa, Ciro Immobile truly made his mark in a Torino shirt. His performances and ruthless finishing earned him his first Serie A top scorer title and opened the door to opportunities outside Italy.

The striker joined Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, taking the next major step in his career. A loan move to Sevilla FC followed, but his spells in Germany and La Liga did not provide the continuity he had enjoyed in Serie A.

Although he was unable to establish himself at Borussia Dortmund or Sevilla FC, those spells added an international dimension to a career that unfolded across some of Europe’s strongest leagues.

The record-breaking years at Lazio

The defining period of Immobile’s career began in 2016, when he signed for SS Lazio. At the Rome-based club, he became the focal point of the attack, the team captain and one of the most admired players in Lazio’s recent history.

Between 2016 and 2024, the striker scored consistently and broke several records, becoming Lazio’s main attacking weapon. In the Biancocelesti shirt, he established himself as an elite goalscorer and became the club’s all-time leading scorer.

His outstanding performances also earned him the European Golden Shoe, awarded to the most prolific scorer across Europe’s domestic leagues. Immobile finished as Serie A’s leading scorer on four occasions and also claimed the Europa League Golden Boot.

With Lazio, he won the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana trophies. His collection also includes silverware won in Germany and Türkiye with Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş JK.

The final chapters at Beşiktaş, Bologna and Paris FC

After leaving Lazio, Ciro Immobile continued his career in Türkiye with Beşiktaş JK. The Italian brought goals, leadership and valuable experience to the İstanbul club.

A spell with Bologna FC followed before his move to Paris FC. His arrival in the French capital marked the final chapter of a career that took him through Italy, Germany, Spain, Türkiye and France.

At the age of 36, the Italian decided that the time had come to devote more time to his family, who had accompanied and supported him throughout his career.

A European champion with Italy

Ciro Immobile will also be remembered by supporters for his contribution to the Italian national team. The striker was part of Roberto Mancini’s squad that won the European Championship in 2021.

Italy lifted the trophy after defeating England on penalties in the final at Wembley Stadium. Immobile played an important role throughout the tournament, helping the Squadra Azzurra return to the summit of European football.

In total, Ciro Immobile earned 57 caps and scored 17 goals for Italy.

Family and new projects influenced his decision

Immobile announced his retirement through Paris FC’s official social media accounts. In the video released by the French club, an emotional Immobile explained how difficult it had been to make the decision.

Ciro Immobile explained that he wanted to spend more time with his loved ones and repay them for the support they had given him throughout his 20-year career.

“It wasn't an easy decision, but the time has come to spend more time with my family, who have always followed me everywhere. I have to give back everything they have given me. Don't be sad for me, I have many projects for the future.”

Although he did not reveal any details about his future projects, the former Italy international made it clear that his retirement should not be seen as a reason for sadness. A new chapter now begins after a career defined by goals, records, trophies and experiences across European football.

Ciro Immobile’s career in brief

Born on 20 February 1990 in the Italian town of Torre Annunziata, Ciro Immobile established himself as one of the most prolific Italian strikers of his generation, building an impressive career at the highest level.

His professional journey began at Sorrento in 2007 before he continued his development at Juventus between 2009 and 2012. The Turin club sent him on successive loan spells to Siena from 2010 to 2011, Grosseto in 2011 and Pescara from 2011 to 2012.

The striker subsequently represented Genoa from 2012 to 2013, made his breakthrough at Torino during the 2013-2014 campaign and later moved abroad, joining Borussia Dortmund before spending time on loan at Sevilla FC. He then returned to Torino for a brief loan spell in 2016.

The greatest chapter of his career was written at Lazio between 2016 and 2024, where he became a genuine club icon. Immobile then entered the final stage of his career, representing Beşiktaş from 2024 to 2025, Bologna from 2025 to 2026 and Paris FC in 2026.

Renowned for his exceptional goalscoring instincts and quick reactions, the former Italy international leaves an enduring mark on European football. His career was defined by dedication, perseverance and remarkable efficiency in front of goal.