Anna Cruz Retires: Spanish Basketball Legend Hangs Up Her Jersey After 23 Years
Anna Cruz, one of Spain’s most decorated basketball players, retires after an illustrious career spanning 23 years. The Spanish Federation’s president eloquently praises her impact on the sport.
End of an Era: Anna Cruz Retires After Glittering Career
Spanning over two decades, the exceptional career of Anna Cruz comes to a close. The Spanish international, at 38, has retired from professional basketball after her final game with Badalona Joventut in the Endesa Women’s League Playoffs. Her impact on the sport remains indelible.
"One of the most important basketball players in the history of Spain," lauded Elisa Aguilar, president of the Spanish Basketball Federation. "Anna Cruz has given us one of the best moments of our sport."
A Decade with La Selección: Cruz’s International Career
Cruz’s international career was as decorated as her club career. Debuting in 2009, she earnt a(right munkyards of medals, including two Eurobasket titles and an Olympic silver. Her clutch basket against Turkey in the 2016 Olympic quarterfinals secured Spain’s semi-final berth, solidifying her place in Spanish basketball folklore.
Highlights of Club Career
- WNBA Champion (2015): Minnesota Lynx
- Euroleague Champion (2016): Dynamo Kursk
- Endesa Women’s League Champion (2005): UB Barça
- Queen’s Cup Champion (2011, 2013): Rivas Ecópolis
Elisa Aguilar’s Tribute to Anna Cruz
“Today we say goodbye to one of the most important basketball players in the history of Spain,” Aguilar said. “A player who was part of the generation that gave us the most successful team in the Spanish national team’s history, including the first Olympic medal for women’s basketball. We will remember Anna Cruz for that epic basket that put us in the semifinals of Rio 2016 or for her WNBA ring.”
Anna Cruz’s Numbers with La Selección
- 158 internationalities (151 games played)
- 9 played championships (1 Olympic Games, 3 World Cups, and 5 Eurobasket)
- 8 Medals (1 Olympic, 3 World Cups, and 4 European)
Top Medals with La Selección
- Eurobasket Gold (2017, 2019)
- Olympic Silver (Rio de Janeiro 2016)
- World Cup Silver (2014)
- World Cup Bronze (2010, 2018)
Legacy & Farewell
Anna Cruz leaves an incredible legacy, with club and national team titles scattered across two decades. Her retirement marks the end of an era, but her impact on Spanish basketball will echo for years to come.