Marco Belinelli announces his retirement: “It’s not easy to say goodbye. But the time has come.”

18/08/202520:04

Marco Belinelli: Non voglio decidere a caldo, senza un'attenta riflessione, se ritirarmi o no

Marco Belinelli Pallacanestro Germani Brescia - Segafredo Virtus Bologna LBA Legabasket Serie A Unipol 2024/2025 Playoff - Finale - Gara 3 Brescia, 17/06/2025 Foto AlessiaDoniselli / Ciamillo-Castoria

With an Instagram post, Marco Belinelli has announced his retirement from professional basketball

With an Instagram post, Marco Belinelli has announced his retirement from professional basketball.

Born in 1986 in San Giovanni in Persiceto, he won during his career three Italian league titles, one Italian Cup, four Supercups, one EuroCup, and the 2014 NBA Championship—the only Italian player to achieve that honor. MVP of the Italian League in 2023-2024, he also won the NBA Three-Point Contest.

He wore the jerseys of Virtus and Fortitudo Bologna, as well as the Warriors, Raptors, Hornets, Bulls, Spurs, Kings, Hornets, Hawks, and 76ers. He also made 154 appearances with the Italian national team.

This was his message:
I put my heart into it. Every bit of myself.
Every single day.
Basketball gave me everything… and I gave everything to it.
It’s not easy to say goodbye.
But the time has come.
I carry with me every emotion, every sacrifice, every applause.
Thank you to those who were always there.
To the younger ones, I leave a dream.
Make sure it’s worth it.