Spanish midfielder Ruben Perez has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37 after a career spanning more than two decades.
Perez spent four seasons in Greek football with Athens club Panathinaikos between 2021 and 2025, where he won the Greek Cup twice in 2022 and 2024.
The veteran midfielder played for Greek Super League 1 side Kifisia last season before deciding to end his playing career.
He officially confirmed his retirement in a statement posted on his personal Instagram account, reflecting on his journey across European football and expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.
Career across Spain, Italy and Greece
Perez began his youth development in his hometown at Ecija Balompie, the club where he first set out to pursue a professional career in football.
He later moved to Atletico Madrid, progressing through the club's youth academy ranks before achieving his goal of playing for the senior first team.
Following his spell at Atletico Madrid, Perez embarked on an extensive journey across European football, representing Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe, Real Betis, Elche, Torino, Granada, and Leganes before moving to Greece to join Panathinaikos and later Kifisia.
At international level, Perez represented Spain and was a member of the national squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2011.
Farewell message to supporters and family
In his announcement on Instagram, Perez stated that the moment had arrived for him to say goodbye to professional football after spending more than 20 years in the sport.
He recalled his beginnings at Ecija Balompie as the start of a childhood dream and described every club, city, and shirt he represented during his career as an essential part of his personal story.
Perez highlighted his gratitude to the supporters, teammates, head coaches, technical staff, and club employees who accompanied him over the years.
He concluded his message by giving special thanks to his family, stating that they were by his side through every decision, city relocation, moment of joy, and difficult period, adding that the achievements of his career belonged to them as well.
