What Happens When You Hang Up Your Boots in FIFA 23? The Ultimate Guide to Retirement

So, you’ve reached the pinnacle of your FIFA 23 career. You’ve lifted trophies, scored screamers, and cemented your legacy. But Father Time catches up to everyone, even virtual footballers. What happens when you retire in FIFA 23? The answer is multifaceted, depending on the game mode you’re playing. In Player Career Mode, your playing days are over. Your player is effectively gone, relegated to the annals of FIFA history. You won’t be able to control them on the pitch again. However, you can embark on a Manager Career Mode with a generated player. This is different from being able to start a Manager Career Mode with your current character. In Manager Career Mode, the mechanics are much simpler; you’ll no longer be able to continue playing as that manager. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each mode and explore the consequences of retirement.

Player Career Mode: The End of an Era

Retirement in Player Career Mode marks the definitive end of your player’s on-field journey. There’s no grand testimonial match, no emotional farewell tour. It’s simply over. Here’s a breakdown:

• Your Player is Gone: Once you confirm your retirement, your player is removed from the game. You can no longer control them in matches, training sessions, or any other aspect of Player Career Mode.
• No Managerial Role: Unlike some older FIFA titles, FIFA 23 doesn’t allow you to transition directly from a Player Career to a Manager Career with the same character. You will be able to start a new Manager Career Mode, however, it will be with a procedurally generated manager.
• Legacy and Stats: While your player is gone, their legacy lives on. Your career stats – goals, assists, appearances, trophies won – are recorded and contribute to your overall FIFA profile. You can look back and reminisce about your virtual accomplishments.
• New Beginnings (Of Sorts): Retirement signifies a fresh start. You can create a new player and begin another Player Career Mode, striving to surpass your previous achievements.
• The Volta Alternative: If you are desperate for continued player growth, you can hop into VOLTA and continue to grow a player’s skills through online and offline matches.

Planning Your Exit Strategy

While retirement is inevitable, you can influence when it happens. Your player’s age, fitness, and overall rating all play a role. As your player ages, their physical attributes (pace, stamina, strength) will decline, making it harder to compete at the highest level. This decline is usually the primary driver for retirement. You’ll receive notifications suggesting retirement when your player’s physical stats drop significantly.

Manager Career Mode: Passing the Torch

Retiring in Manager Career Mode is a simpler affair. When you decide to step down, your career as that specific manager ends.

• Your Career Concludes: Once you retire, you can no longer manage the club. The game simulates your departure and hires a new manager in your place.
• No Transition to Player Career: You cannot seamlessly transition from Manager Career Mode to Player Career Mode with the same character.
• New Management Opportunities: Retirement opens the door to a new managerial journey. You can start a new Manager Career Mode with a different team and strategy.
• Your Legacy Remains: Your managerial achievements – league titles, cup wins, player development – are recorded and contribute to your overall Manager Career Mode profile.

Managing Your Exit

The decision to retire as a manager is usually driven by either a desire for a new challenge or simply reaching the end of your intended career length. There’s no real penalty for retiring mid-season; the club will simply appoint a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Retirement in FIFA 23

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about retirement in FIFA 23, covering both Player and Manager Career Modes:

1. Can I prevent my player from retiring in Player Career Mode? You can delay retirement by maintaining your player’s fitness and overall rating. Focus on training, avoid injuries, and accept contracts that offer playing time. However, retirement is inevitable eventually.

2. Is there a specific age when players always retire? There’s no fixed age. Retirement depends on factors like fitness, rating decline, and player morale. Typically, players will be forced to retire around the age of 35-40.

3. Can I become a coach or scout after retiring in Player Career Mode? No, FIFA 23 doesn’t offer the option to transition into coaching or scouting roles after retiring as a player.

4. What happens to my player’s stats after retirement? Your player’s career stats (goals, assists, appearances) are saved and contribute to your overall FIFA profile.

5. Can I still use my retired player in other game modes? No, once a player retires in Player Career Mode, they are no longer available for use in other game modes like Kick-Off or Ultimate Team.

6. Does my player get a farewell match when they retire? No, FIFA 23 doesn’t feature farewell matches or testimonial games for retiring players in Career Mode.

7. Can I edit my player’s stats after they retire? No, you cannot edit a player’s stats once they have retired. Their stats are permanently recorded as they were at the time of retirement.

8. What happens if I retire as a manager mid-season? The game will simulate your departure and automatically hire a new manager to take over the club.

9. Can I manage a national team after retiring from a club team? Yes, you can still manage a national team after retiring from a club team, as long as you accept a national team offer before retiring from your club.

10. Does my managerial legacy impact future career choices? Yes, your managerial reputation and achievements will influence the types of job offers you receive in future Manager Career Modes.

11. Can I retire from international management but continue managing a club? Yes, you can retire from international management while continuing to manage a club team, or vice-versa.

12. Is there a way to reverse my retirement decision? No, once you confirm your retirement, there’s no way to undo it. Make sure you’re absolutely certain before making the decision.

13. Does player retirement affect the transfer market in Manager Career Mode? Yes, when AI players retire, they disappear from the transfer market, reducing the pool of available players.

14. What’s the difference between retiring and getting sacked as a manager? Retiring is a voluntary decision, while getting sacked is involuntary. Getting sacked will negatively impact your managerial reputation.

15. Can I create a new player with the same name as my retired player? Yes, you can create a new player with the same name as your retired player, allowing you to continue their legacy in a new career. And if you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of gaming and education, consider exploring the resources offered by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.