Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41, after a distinguished career spanning over two decades. During his career, Bravo played for Colo Colo, Real Sociedad, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Betis, and achieved significant success, including two Copa América titles with the Chilean national team.

In a video posted on social media, Bravo shared his decision: "I am leaving professional football. I believe I have made the right decision, a well-considered decision, and one that has been thoroughly discussed with my family and close circle." 

He continued, "I think it's time to close a very important chapter in my life and to start a new one, which will hopefully be as successful as this phase that has given me great satisfaction in every way."

Bravo expressed gratitude to all the clubs that allowed him to grow and develop, as well as to coaches, directors, staff, and fans around the world. He also thanked his family, including his parents, siblings, wife Carla, and four children—Josefa, Maite, Mateo, and Emma—for their support throughout his 23-year career.

The Chilean goalkeeper, known as 'Captain America,' also reflected on his international career. "It has been an honor to represent our country worldwide. I have played in two World Cups and won two Copa América titles for Chile. It has been the most wonderful part of my career," he said.

Bravo began his career as a forward before transitioning to goalkeeping. He started at Colo-Colo and made his first-team debut in 2001 under coach Julio Rodríguez. After a successful stint in Chile, he moved to Europe in 2006, joining Real Sociedad. Bravo's performance earned him a transfer to Barcelona in 2014, where he set a record for 755 minutes without conceding a league goal.

In the 2016-17 season, Bravo joined Manchester City, where he enjoyed a successful tenure. His final club was Real Betis, where he played until his retirement.

Bravo’s club achievements include Chilean league titles with Colo-Colo, Spanish Segunda and Primera División titles with Real Sociedad and Barcelona, respectively, as well as Copa del Rey wins with Barcelona and Betis. Internationally, he won the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Barcelona in 2015, and claimed two Copa América titles with Chile in 2015 and 2016.

His final match was on June 25, 2024, against Argentina in the Copa América, where he became the oldest goalkeeper to play in the tournament at 41 years and 71 days.