Marco Belinelli, 39, has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball, ending a career that spanned over 20 years.
In an emotional statement, Belinelli said, “I gave it my heart. Every piece of me. Every single day. Basketball gave me everything… and I gave it everything I had.”
Belinelli began his professional journey with Virtus Bologna in 2002 before moving to Fortitudo Bologna, where he won his first Italian league title in 2005.
He later joined the NBA, playing for multiple teams including the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Italian guard won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014 and captured the NBA Three-Point Contest the same year.
He also earned multiple Italian league honors, including Lega Serie A MVP in 2024 and Domestic Player of the Year in 2023.
Belinelli returned to Italy in 2020 to play for Virtus Bologna, where he added two Lega Serie A titles (2021, 2025) and a EuroCup championship in 2022 to his résumé.
His career also features four Italian Supercup wins, one Italian Cup, and several All-Lega Serie A team selections.
Throughout his NBA tenure, Belinelli was known for his sharpshooting and veteran leadership, often serving as a key role player on playoff rosters.
He became the first Italian to win an NBA championship, cementing his status as one of Italy’s most successful basketball exports.
Belinelli’s farewell message emphasized gratitude and mentorship: “To the next generation—I leave a dream. Make it count.” He expressed appreciation for fans, teammates, and coaches who supported him throughout his career.
