Marco Belinelli: A Basketball Legend Retires
• Sports • 247sports.news
Belinelli’s Farewell: A Legendary Career Comes to an End
After an incredible 19-year career, Italian basketball legend Marco Belinelli has announced his retirement. The 39-year-old shooting guard won it all, from the NBA Championship to the Italian Scudetto, leaving an indelible mark on both the Italian and international basketball scene.
From Italy to the NBA and Back
- Belinelli played for nine NBA teams over 13 seasons.
- He won the NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.
- Belinelli is the only Italian player to win the NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest (2014).
Returning Home: Virtus Bologna and the Scudetto
After his NBA journey, Belinelli returned to Italy and joined Virtus Bologna. In his final season, he led the team to the Italian Scudetto – their third title in his extraordinary career.
I’ve played for 13 seasons in the NBA with 9 different teams. I’ve won a Championship, an All-Star Game, and now, at 39, I’m saying goodbye to basketball after winning the Scudetto with Virtus Bologna.
An Era Comes to a Close
Belinelli’s retirement marks the end of an era for Italian basketball. Known for his charisma, Belinelli leaves with an impressive résumé and a legacy that will be remembered in Italian and international basketball for generations to come.
He announced his retirement on Instagram with nostalgic photos and a heartfelt message: “Because there is nothing more beautiful than this.” Shortly afterward, an official video was released to thank fans and close this epic chapter in Italian basketball history.
