When the Final Whistle Is Personal: The Psychology of Retirement from Sport

A sporting career, especially in high-performance contexts, involves an intense commitment that significantly shapes the athlete's identity, lifestyle, and psychological functioning (Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993). However, the transition to career termination represents one of the most challenging moments, as it requires redefining social and personal roles while confronting the loss of athletic identity (Lavallee, 2005). This adaptation phase involves reorganizing daily routines, loss of status, and the need to develop new goals and skills for life after sport (Alfermann & Stambulova, 2007). The psychological impact of this transition can be considerable, with increased risk of emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and existential crises (Taylor & Ogilvie, 1994).