Jalil Anibaba Announces Retirement From Major League Soccer
Jalil Anibaba Announces Retirement From Major League Soccer
The former Revs defender announced the end of his 12-year career on Monday morning
Jalil Anibaba, The 2011 1st round draft pick of the Chicago Fire who spent two seasons with the New England Revolution, announced his retirement from professional soccer on Monday morning through his Instagram. The announcement puts an end to a 12-year career that saw stops in seven cities.
Anibaba appeared in 53 MLS games for the Revs, and notched a goal and an assist during his time in New England. He departed the Revs when he was selected by Nashville SC in the 2019 Expansion Draft and spent two season with the club before playing his final season in 2022 as a member of the Columbus Crew.
Nashville announced that Anibaba has joined the organization as an official club ambassador. The former defender will also jump into the radio booth as a color commentator for the club’s radio broadcast.
“The years I spent in Nashville as a player were so special to me and my family that I always had my heart set on returning,” said Anibaba. “Truthfully, I couldn’t have imagined being welcomed back through such a warm embrace from the club. Playing the sport you love for a living is a blessing unmatched, while the opportunity to transition directly into your off-the-field passions is just not how it happens for a lot of athletes. I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I was called to do. For that, I am extremely grateful.”
While only spending a brief period of his career in New England, he was known as a great locker room presence and his signature fist pump after key defensive plays made him a personal favorite of many fans.